§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what his Department's policy is towards age discrimination. [42575]
§ Mr. LeslieThe cabinet Office is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all.
582WIt is the Department's policy that everyone should have equality of opportunity for employment and advancement on the basis of their ability, qualifications and suitability for work. There must be no discrimination on the grounds of age, disability, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, race, colour, nationality, ethnic origin or national origin.
The Cabinet Office's age retirement policy for grades below the senior civil service supports the recommendations of "Winning the Generation Game". Our normal age for retirement is 60 years but retention beyond this age up to age 70 is possible subject to departmental needs and continuing health and efficiency for most grades.