§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) if he will make a statement on recent measures he has introduced to tackle age discrimination; [19362]
(2) what measures there are to get more people in their 50s and 60s into work. [19366]
§ Mr. Nicholas BrownThis Government recognise the importance of tackling age discrimination in the workplace. We have already provided voluntary guidance to help employers. By 2006, we will legislate against age discrimination in the workplace. This timescale will allow us to consult extensively with employers, individuals, and expert groups on age positive practices, and on all aspects of the legislation.
We are committed to employment opportunity for all, regardless of age. For those over 50, there is a comprehensive range of back to work programmes, including new deal 50 plus, new deal 25 plus and the new deal for disabled people. Government support has ensured that the employment rate for the over 50s has increased each year for the last four years. Through new deal 50 plus alone, which was launched in April 2000, more than 51,000 people have been helped into work.
The Department also leads with its AgePositive campaign, which is vigorously promoting the business benefits of employing an age diverse workforce. The campaign focuses on the Code of Practice on Age Diversity in Employment and a wide range of research and promotional activities. On 3 December we launched a new AgePositive website and a range of new research studies.