§ Ms AthertonTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if the Government will make a response to the evaluation of the code of practice on age diversity in employment; and if he will make a statement. [23127]
§ Mr. McCartneyThe voluntary code of practice on age diversity in employment was launched in 1999 and the evaluation of its impact has now been completed. This evaluation will inform future plans for legislation in this area.
The report is the first comprehensive evaluation of employment-related age practices across Great Britain and the Government were pleased to publish it on 3 December 2001. Copies are available in the Library and have been made publicly available through the new website www.agepositve.gov.uk.
The report has identified that much progress has been made but that we must not be complacent in the lead up to legislation in 2006. We are continuing our ongoing work with individuals, employers and expert groups, and looking how to increase the impact of the code on encouraging age positive practices in the light of the report's findings.