Mr. Robert AinsworthTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what progress has been made by his advisory group for older workers on the issue of employment discrimination; and if he will make a statement.
§ Miss WiddecombeMy advisory group is studying good practice with a view to issuing guidance to employers; I have issued a challenge to employers who discriminate on grounds of age to justify their policies; the group is seeking ways of raising public consciousness on this issue; the group has met twice and agreed a programme of work. It is actively advising me on the best ways to disseminate the message that age discrimination is harmful to the individual, to business and to the economy.