Forties People

It found that nearly half (49%) of those questioned thought we should have the right to work as long as we want to and 30% wanted the right to work as long as employers think they are competent to do so. Only 3% supported a mandatory retirement age of 70.

9 out of 10 respondents said the proposed age discrimination legislation should provide legal protection against ageism as strong, or stronger, than the existing protection from racism or sexism.

At present the Government has ruled out including goods and services in the legislation, however 72% of those surveyed said the Government should not exempt public services – like the NHS – from the new law.

The report itself says that the age discrimination law as currently proposed will not do enough to challenge age stereotypes and enable people to continue working. As currently envisaged the law will put the burden on older people to ‘complain their way to equality’. The IPPR proposes that employers should have a duty to take active steps to promote age diversity as they do for ethnic minorities.

The report calls on the Government to:-

Consult on extending the legislation to cover services. Include a duty on employers to promote age equality Make mandatory retirement ages unlawful – except in exceptional circumstances Provide clear guidance to employers and individuals before 2006