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Department
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Member
Bercow, John (99)
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Employment (99)
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To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what recent assessment he has made of whether the Public Service Agreement target to end child poverty by 2020 will be met; what recent progress has been made towards the Public Service Agreement target to modernise welfare delivery so as...
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what recent assessment he has made of whether the Public Service Agreement target to end child poverty by 2020 will be met; what recent progress has been made towards the Public Service Agreement target to modernise welfare delivery so as...
Asked by
John Bercow
(Conservative)
Answered by
Jane Kennedy
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Work and Pensions
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
2 March 2005
For answer on
10 March 2005
Answered on
10 March 2005
Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) what recent assessment he has made of whether the Public Service
Agreement target to end child poverty by 2020 will be met; [220112]
(2) what recent progress has been made towards the Public Service Agreement target to modernise welfare delivery so as to improve
the accessibility, accuracy and value for money of services to customers, including employers; [220123]
(3) what recent progress has been made towards the Public Service Agreement target to promote work as the best form of welfare for
people of working age, while protecting the position of those in greatest need; [220141]
(4) what recent progress has been made towards the Public Service Agreement target to combat poverty for today's and tomorrow's
pensioners; [220145]
(5) what recent progress has been made towards the Public Service Agreement target to promote security and independence for today's
and tomorrow's pensioners. [220146]
Jane Kennedy: These are Objectives; progress towards their underpinning PSA targets was published in December 2004 in the
Department's Autumn Performance Report, a copy of which is in the Library.
Subjects
Children; Department for Work and Pensions; Employment; Government departments; Pensioners; Poverty; Social security benefits; Standards; Security; Public service agreements
Date
10 March 2005
Reference
431 c2017W;431 c2009W; 220112;220123;220141;220145;220146
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what his Department's policy is towards age discrimination.
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what his Department's policy is towards age discrimination.
Asked by
John Bercow
(Conservative)
Answered by
Ian Pearson
(Labour)
Answering body
Northern Ireland Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
1 December 2004
For answer on
2 February 2005
Answered on
2 February 2005
Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what his Department's policy is towards age discrimination.
[202510]
Mr. Pearson: The Northern Ireland Office aims to ensure that its staff are treated fairly and equally by promoting equal
opportunities policies whereby no employee or job applicant is unfairly discriminated against either directly or indirectly on a
number of grounds, including age. All staff are provided with a copy of this policy.
In compliance with its statutory duty under Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998, the Department has due regard to the
promotion of equality of opportunity between persons in nine specified categories, which include persons of different ages. Both
internal and outward focused policies and practices are screened to ensure they do not have an adverse impact on any of the nine
categories, including those of different ages.
Subjects
Age; Employment; Equality; Government departments; Older workers; Northern Ireland Office
Date
2 February 2005
Reference
202510; 430 c998W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what her Department's policy is towards age discrimination.
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what her Department's policy is towards age discrimination.
Asked by
John Bercow
(Conservative)
Answered by
Baroness Smith of Malvern
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of Trade and Industry
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
1 December 2004
For answer on
12 January 2005
Answered on
12 January 2005
Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what her Department's policy is towards age discrimination.
[202381]
Jacqui Smith: As an equal opportunities employer, my Department regularly monitors its personnel procedures to ensure that there is
no discrimination. The Department aims to be fair to all staff, and potential staff, and ensure that no-one receives less favourable
treatment on the grounds of age.
We have equality proofed recruitment and internal postings policies and procedures and all staff below the senior civil service now
have the same retirement age.
We are working with the Employers Forum on Age to further develop initiatives and to share best practice with a range of public and
private sector employers. We also held a number of focus groups in 2004 to discuss age issues with staff as part of a CIPD study and
are currently considering the outputs.
Subjects
Age; Department of Trade and Industry; Employment; Equality; Government departments; Older workers
Date
12 January 2005
Reference
202381; 429 c575W;429 c573W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what his Department's policy is towards age discrimination.
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what his Department's policy is towards age discrimination.
Asked by
John Bercow
(Conservative)
Answered by
Maria Eagle
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Work and Pensions
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
1 December 2004
For answer on
21 December 2004
Answered on
21 December 2004
Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what his Department's policy is towards age discrimination.
[202442]
Maria Eagle: The Department is committed to providing equality of opportunity for all employees, regardless of their age. It has a
policy not to tolerate unfair discrimination on the grounds of age.
The Department is however required to meet the Civil Service Management Code standards which set an upper age limit for retirement
across the civil service of 65.
The Department actively encourages applications from all age groups when recruiting. It accepts applications from those aged between
16 and 64. The minimum retirement age for DWP is 60; the minimum age at which employees are eligible to retire and access their
civil service pension. An individual can choose to retire anytime between age 60 and 65.
The Department reinforces its policy commitment on age discrimination by including age among the criteria which are monitored, to
ensure that its policies and procedures do not have an unfair impact. A range of resources supports formal employee policies on age
across the Department. Age forms a key strand of the "Diversity Toolkit", a learning and information resource developed by the
Department. Other initiatives include staff networking groups, supported by an "Age Champion" from the Department's senior
management team, which have been set up to identify issues related to age diversity.
The Department plays an active role in tackling age discrimination and promoting age diversity policies in the employment market
through its work with the "Age Positive" campaign. It also has representation on the Executive Steering Group of the Employer's
Forum on Age, a network of leading employers seeking to promote the benefits to business of attracting and retaining experienced
employees, regardless of their age.
Subjects
Age; Employment; Equality; Government departments; Older workers; Department for Education and Skills
Date
21 December 2004
Reference
202442; 428 c1722W;428 c1720W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what his Department's policy is towards age discrimination.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what his Department's policy is towards age discrimination.
Asked by
John Bercow
(Conservative)
Answered by
Fiona Mactaggart
(Labour)
Answering body
Home Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
26 November 2004
For answer on
15 December 2004
Answered on
15 December 2004
Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what his Department's policy is towards age discrimination.
[200769]
Fiona Mactaggart: The Department's commitment not to discriminate unfairly on any grounds is set out clearly in our equal
opportunities policy which is currently being revised to make an explicit reference to age. The Home Office Five Year Race and
Diversity Programme includes work to meet the requirements of the proposed regulations on age discrimination in time for
implementation in December 2006. This includes monitoring age in all our HR processes. This work will be informed by the latest
developments on age policy which we follow through our membership of the Employers Forum on Age (EFA). We have also recently
established a new staff Focus Group on age. The Home Office is currently developing diversity awareness training for all staff. This
will include guidance on age discrimination and a series of booklets on dignity at work will also give examples on how to avoid age
discrimination in the workplace. At present, most staff in the Home Office below the Senior Civil Service have the right to request
to remain after the `normal' retirement age of 60, up to the age of 65. Their being able to stay is dependent on the quality of
their work and their health.
Subjects
Age; Employment; Equality; Government departments; Home Office; Older workers
Date
15 December 2004
Reference
200769; 428 c1162W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what the Office's policy is towards age discrimination.
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what the Office's policy is towards age discrimination.
Asked by
John Bercow
(Conservative)
Answered by
Ruth Kelly
(Labour)
Answering body
Cabinet Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
1 December 2004
For answer on
13 December 2004
Answered on
13 December 2004
Mr. Bercow: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what the Office's policy is towards age discrimination. [202321]
Ruth Kelly: The Cabinet Office, Central Office of Information and the Government Car and Despatch Agency all have a commitment not
to discriminate unfairly on the grounds of age and this is set out clearly in the relevant equal opportunities policies. It is each
organisation's policy that everyone should have equality of opportunity on the basis of their ability and suitability for the work.
Subjects
Age; Employment; Equality; Government departments; Older workers; Cabinet Office
Date
13 December 2004
Reference
202321; 428 c941W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, what the Duchy's policy is towards age discrimination.
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, what the Duchy's policy is towards age discrimination.
Asked by
John Bercow
(Conservative)
Answered by
Alan Milburn
(Labour)
Answering body
Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
1 December 2004
For answer on
13 December 2004
Answered on
13 December 2004
Mr. Bercow: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what the Duchy's policy is towards age discrimination. [202481]
Mr. Milburn: The Duchy of Lancaster has an equal opportunities policy and does not discriminate in respect of age.
Subjects
Age; Employment; Equality; Government departments; Older workers; Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster
Date
13 December 2004
Reference
202481; 428 c941W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what his Department's policy is towards age discrimination.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what his Department's policy is towards age discrimination.
Asked by
John Bercow
(Conservative)
Answered by
Ivor Caplin
(Labour)
Answering body
Ministry of Defence
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
26 November 2004
For answer on
13 December 2004
Answered on
13 December 2004
Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his Department's policy is towards age discrimination. [200808]
Mr. Caplin: The Ministry of Defence is an equal opportunities employer, committed to maximising opportunities for all staff and
playing a central role in the drive to promote diversity in the public sector. This includes a commitment to ensure that there
should be no unfair discrimination on the basis of age.
The MOD will continue to keep its age policy under review in the light of forthcoming legislation.
Subjects
Age; Employment; Equality; Government departments; Older workers; Ministry of Defence
Date
13 December 2004
Reference
200808; 428 c905-6W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what his Department's policy is towards age discrimination.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what his Department's policy is towards age discrimination.
Asked by
John Bercow
(Conservative)
Answered by
Douglas Alexander
(Labour)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
26 November 2004
For answer on
9 December 2004
Answered on
9 December 2004
Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his Department's policy is towards age
discrimination. [200848]
Mr. Alexander: Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) policy is that no staff should be exposed to unfair discrimination on any
grounds. The FCO wants to draw on the very best of Britain's diverse society by creating and maintaining an inclusive environment,
and drawing upon each individual's personal background and experience to help achieve its objectives.
We are taking measures to embed diversity and ensure discrimination does not occur; these include diversity training, and the
requirement to have diversity objectives for all staff.
We have also introduced in recent years flexibility for junior/clerical grades and below to retire at age 65 and for others
including middle-management grades to retire at age 63.
We are reviewing our practices and procedures in the light of forthcoming age discrimination legislation to ensure that we will
continue to follow best practice and operate within the spirit and letter of law.
Subjects
Age; Employment; Equality; Government departments; Older workers; Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Date
9 December 2004
Reference
200848; 428 c718W;428 c718-9W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what her Department's policy is towards age discrimination.
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what her Department's policy is towards age discrimination.
Asked by
John Bercow
(Conservative)
Answered by
Alun Michael
(Labour; Co-operative Party)
Answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
1 December 2004
For answer on
9 December 2004
Answered on
9 December 2004
Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what her Department's policy is towards age
discrimination. [202361]
Alun Michael: The Department is fully committed to equality on the basis of age. One of the stated values of the Department is that
we create an environment for our employees and customers, free from discrimination on the grounds of age.
In anticipation of the Age Legislation in October 2006, the Department has identified policies and procedures where the legislation
will have an impact and the Department is working to ensure that all areas of its work is fully reviewed for any age bias.
The Department has already introduced flexibility around the retirement age that enables older staff to stay on until 65. In
addition diversity training, which is available to all Defra employees, includes raising awareness of age discrimination.
Subjects
Age; Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; Employment; Equality; Government departments; Older workers
Date
9 December 2004
Reference
202361; 428 c674W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what his Department's policy is towards age discrimination.
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what his Department's policy is towards age discrimination.
Asked by
John Bercow
(Conservative)
Answered by
Charlotte Atkins
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Transport
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
1 December 2004
For answer on
8 December 2004
Answered on
8 December 2004
Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what his Department's policy is towards age discrimination. [202422]
Charlotte Atkins: The Department's commitment not to discriminate unfairly on the grounds of age is set out clearly in its equal
opportunities policy.
We are undertaking a study of the implications for the Department of the forthcoming legislation on age discrimination. Following
the study we will prepare a programme of diversity/equality training for managers, and guidance addressing age discrimination.
We have taken steps to introduce flexibility around retirement age: members of the Department below the Senior Civil Service now
have the option to remain in work until 65.
Subjects
Age; Department for Transport; Employment; Equality; Government departments; Older workers
Date
8 December 2004
Reference
202422; 428 c515-6W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what his Department's policy is towards age discrimination.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what his Department's policy is towards age discrimination.
Asked by
John Bercow
(Conservative)
Answered by
Baroness Winterton of Doncaster
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of Health
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
26 November 2004
For answer on
8 December 2004
Answered on
8 December 2004
Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what his Department's policy is towards age discrimination. [200783]
Ms Rosie Winterton: There is no place for unfair discrimination in the Department or national health service (NHS) on the grounds of
age. The Department's commitment to its staff not to discriminate unfairly on the grounds of age is set out in its equal
opportunities policy. The national service framework for older people made the clear statement that age discrimination would not be
tolerated in access to health and social care, and the NHS plan reinforced the value of diversity and commitment to equality of
opportunity within the NHS work force.
Subjects
Age; Employment; Equality; Government departments; Older workers; Department of Health
Date
8 December 2004
Reference
200783; 428 c551W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, what his Department's policy is towards age discrimination.
To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, what his Department's policy is towards age discrimination.
Asked by
John Bercow
(Conservative)
Answered by
Phil Hope
(Labour)
Answering body
Office of the Deputy Prime Minister
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
1 December 2004
For answer on
8 December 2004
Answered on
8 December 2004
Mr. Bercow: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what his Department's policy is towards age discrimination. [202462]
Phil Hope: The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's commitment not to discriminate unfairly on the grounds of age is set out in its
equal opportunities policy and other relevant sections of its Staff Handbook.
Subjects
Age; Employment; Equality; Government departments; Older workers; Office of the Deputy Prime Minister
Date
8 December 2004
Reference
202462; 428 c540W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what his Department's policy is towards age discrimination.
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what his Department's policy is towards age discrimination.
Asked by
John Bercow
(Conservative)
Answered by
Charles Clarke
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Education and Skills
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
26 November 2004
For answer on
8 December 2004
Answered on
8 December 2004
Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what his Department's policy is towards age discrimination.
[200828]
Mr. Charles Clarke: My Department's commitment not to discriminate unfairly on the grounds of age is set out clearly in its equal
opportunities policy.
The DfES aspires to be an exemplar equal opportunities employer, creating a workplace that values diversity, is free from any form
of unfair discrimination including age, and where all staff have an equal opportunity to meet their aspirations, realise their full
potential and improve their life chances.
My Department already allows its staff to remain in employment until the age of 65 and will be reviewing all of its HR policies and
practices to take account of the introduction of legislation on age discrimination. My officials monitor the Department's progress
to ensure that we are succeeding and will also ensure that all managers and staff are made aware of the new legislation and its
implications for the Department.
Subjects
Age; Employment; Equality; Government departments; Older workers; Department for Education and Skills
Date
8 December 2004
Reference
200828; 428 c524W
House
House of Commons
To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what his Department's policy is towards age discrimination.
To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what his Department's policy is towards age discrimination.
Asked by
John Bercow
(Conservative)
Answered by
Stephen Timms
(Labour)
Answering body
Treasury
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
1 December 2004
For answer on
8 December 2004
Answered on
8 December 2004
Mr. Bercow:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what his Department's policy is towards age discrimination. [202499]
Mr. Timms: The Department is committed to the fair treatment of all staff and not to discriminate unfairly on the grounds of age.
The Department's policy is set out in its equal opportunities statement and is available for inspection on our public website.
Departmental HR policies take full account of the equal opportunities legislation and best practice and the Department conducts
regular internal statistical analyses to monitor representation and appraisal by age in order that specific age issues are
identified and addressed.
In anticipation of the ED regulation due to come into force in October 2006 the Department is reviewing its policy around retirement
age/maximum employment age and related issues to ensure a fully inclusive workforce.
Subjects
Age; Employment; Equality; Government departments; Older workers; Treasury
Date
8 December 2004
Reference
428 c539W; 202499
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what her Department's policy is towards age discrimination.
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what her Department's policy is towards age discrimination.
Asked by
John Bercow
(Conservative)
Answered by
Richard Caborn
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
1 December 2004
For answer on
7 December 2004
Answered on
7 December 2004
Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what her Department's policy is towards age discrimination.
[202341]
Mr. Caborn: The Department for Culture, Media and Sport, in line with the rest of the civil service, does not discriminate against
staff or eligible applicants for posts on the grounds of age. Decisions on recruitment, selection, training, promotion and career
management are based solely on objective and job related criteria.
Subjects
Age; Employment; Equality; Government departments; Older workers; Department for Culture, Media and Sport
Date
7 December 2004
Reference
202341; 428 c424W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what his Department's policy is towards age discrimination.
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what his Department's policy is towards age discrimination.
Asked by
John Bercow
(Conservative)
Answered by
Gareth Thomas
(Labour; Co-operative Party)
Answering body
Department for International Development
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
26 November 2004
For answer on
6 December 2004
Answered on
6 December 2004
Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what his Department's policy is towards age discrimination.
[200868]
Mr. Gareth Thomas: DFID has in place, an Equal Opportunities Policy that clearly outlines our commitment not to discriminate on the
grounds of age.
We have taken numerous steps to address potential age discrimination including flexibility for staff below the Senior Civil Service
(SCS) grade to work on beyond normal retirement age, statistical monitoring of all of our selection processes, and training for all
staff on diversity and equal opportunities.
DFID is a member of the Employers Forum on Age (EFA) and has adopted some of the good practice techniques recommended by the EFA.
Using the EFA policy assessment toolkit, we have initiated a review of our current policies and practices in relation to
discrimination.
Subjects
Age; Department for International Development; Employment; Equality; Government departments; Older workers
Date
6 December 2004
Reference
200868; 428 c278W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what steps his Department is taking to address the issue of age discrimination.
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what steps his Department is taking to address the issue of age discrimination.
Asked by
John Bercow
(Conservative)
Answered by
Lord Murphy of Torfaen
(Labour)
Answering body
Northern Ireland Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
11 April 2003
For answer on
19 June 2003
Answered on
19 June 2003
Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps his Department is taking to address the issue of age
discrimination. [109448]
Mr. Paul Murphy: The Northern Ireland Office aims to ensure that its staff are treated fairly and equally by promoting equal
opportunities policies whereby no employee or job applicant is unfairly discriminated against either directly or indirectly on a
number of grounds, including age. All staff are provided with a copy of this policy.
In addition, in compliance with its statutory duty under section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998, the Department has due regard
to the promotion of equality of opportunity between persons in nine specified categories, which include persons of different ages.
Both internal and outward focused policies and practices are screened to ensure that they do not have an adverse impact on any of
the nine categories, including those of different ages.
None of the Department's policies have age restrictions except in relation to retirement. Since 4 October 2002, Northern Ireland
Civil Servants employed in the Northern Ireland Office have had the option of remaining in post up to the age of 65, subject to
satisfactory performance and attendance. For Home Civil Service staff working in the Northern Ireland Office, the subject of
retirement age is under review. Staff were made aware of the change of policy by means of a general circular issued on that date.
For Home Civil Service staff working in the Northern Ireland Office, the subject of retirement age is under consideration.
The 11 Departments within the Northern Ireland Administration refer the hon. Member to their answer to the hon. Member for Belfast,
North on 18 March 2003, Official Report, column 650W.
Subjects
Age; Employment; Equality; Government departments; Older workers; Northern Ireland Office
Date
19 June 2003
Reference
109448; 407 c337-8W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what steps his Department is taking to address the issue of age discrimination. - Ref to 15 April 2002 at 383 c751W.
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what steps his Department is taking to address the issue of age discrimination. - Ref to 15 April 2002 at 383 c751W.
Asked by
John Bercow
(Conservative)
Answered by
Lord Hain
(Labour)
Answering body
Office of the Secretary of State for Wales
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
11 April 2003
For answer on
3 June 2003
Answered on
3 June 2003
Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what steps his Department is taking to address the issue of age discrimination.
[109449]
Peter Hain: I refer the hon. Member to the answer my predecessor gave him on 15 April 2002, Official Report, column 751W.
Subjects
Age; Employment; Equality; Government departments; Older workers; Wales Office
Date
3 June 2003
Reference
109449; 406 c311W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what steps his Department is taking to address the issue of age discrimination.
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what steps his Department is taking to address the issue of age discrimination.
Asked by
John Bercow
(Conservative)
Answered by
Stephen Twigg
(Labour; Co-operative Party)
Answering body
Department for Education and Skills
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
11 April 2003
For answer on
3 June 2003
Answered on
3 June 2003
Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what steps his Department is taking to address the issue of age
discrimination. [109455]
Mr. Stephen Twigg: Tackling the issue of age discrimination is an important part of the Department's approach to equality of
opportunity, both in the way it delivers its policies and as regards its own staff.
Our lifelong learning policies, which seek to encourage and enable adults to learn, improve their skills and enrich their lives are
central to tackling the issues of age discrimination.
For its own staff, my Department will comply with new legislation when it comes into force in 2006. In the meantime, action has
continued to be taken to tackle negative attitudes towards older staff through training on valuing diversity and through the
monitoring of recruitment, selection and appraisal processes. Recommendations in the Performance and Innovation Unit Report "Winning
the Generation Game" have been implemented and, since 1999, all staff outside the Senior Civil Service can choose when they retire
between age 60-65, subject to normal fitness and efficiency rules. In addition, all our vacancy opportunities, internal and external
secondments and rewards are open to people of all ages.
Subjects
Age; Employment; Equality; Government departments; Older workers; Department for Education and Skills
Date
3 June 2003
Reference
109455; 406 c204W
House
House of Commons