HC Deb 13 April 1976 vol 909 cc447-8W
32. Mr. Anthony Grant

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what steps he is taking to encourage job opportunities for persons over 50 years of age in the non-assisted areas.

Mr. John Fraser

I hope that more job opportunities will be available generally as a result of the Government measures introduced over the last year to mitigate unemployment. It is Government policy to encourage employers in all areas to consider older workers and to make ability qualifications, experience, etc., the criteria for recruitment and retention of workers rather than age. The Employment Service Agency, through its general and specialised placing services, does all it can to help older workers to find employment.