§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what her Department's policy is towards age discrimination. [42567]
§ Mr. MorleyAge has been integrated into the Department's equal opportunities policy, including a commitment that there should be no unfair 825W discrimination on the basis of age. Departmental Diversity policies also make clear that all staff should be respected and valued.
Staff in administrative and support grades may continue working up to 65 (subject to continued efficiency) and short service concessions are available to those in other grades with less than 20 years' service at normal retirement age.
In line with the recommendation in the Policy and Innovation Unit report, "Winning the Generation Game", the Department is actively considering the case for allowing other staff the option of retirement at up to age 65.