Forties People

People aged 50-plus who are looking for jobs in London could benefit from government efforts to tackle age discrimination.

Equality minister Harriet Harman warned that ageism in the workplace is costing the country's economy £31 billion a year in lost GDP.

Ms Harman warned that the old-fashioned notion that older people are "past it" has to be challenged, both for the sake of individuals and the wider UK economy.

"Older people are the last remaining group that society deems it acceptable to discriminate against," she commented.

"This is a problem that we are determined to tackle at the highest level."

She added that the government's new Equality Bill reinforces the government's commitment to ending age discrimination in all areas of life.

Dr Ros Altmann, independent policy adviser, has welcomed Ms Harman's comments.

She noted that over-50s account for the majority of voters in Britain, which means politicians could win a few votes by helping this group of people.