§ Mr. JenkinsTo ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer what strategies his Department has to ensure that there is no ageism in recruitment and retention processes. [79293]
§ Ruth KellyThe Treasury is committed to age diversity and has implemented the recommendations of the Government's "Winning the Generation Game" report.
290WEquality of opportunity for all staff is a key feature of all civil service employment. As part of this, ageism is not tolerated.
Recruitment, development, performance management and retention policies are continuously reviewed. There are no age barriers to employment and retirement age is determined on business needs only. The Treasury has no upper age limit for any of its recruitment schemes, other than the retirement age, which is currently 60. The recruitment literature states,
we recruit and promote strictly on ability and performance. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals. We do not discriminate on grounds of gender, marital status, race, colour, religion, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, community background or age subject to our policy that all staff retire at 60.
§ Mr. JenkinsTo ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer what percentage of new recruits to his Department in the past two years were aged 50 and over. [79306]
§ Ruth KellyThe information for HM Treasury is shown in the following table:
Year Percentage of New Recruits Aged 50 and Over 1 April 2000 to 31 March 2001 2.2 1 April 2001 to 31 March 2002 1.6