§ Mr. JenkinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what strategies his Department has to ensure that there is no ageism in recruitment and retention processes. [79289]
§ Dr. MoonieEquality of opportunity for all staff is a key feature of Civil Service employment. The Ministry of Defence's personnel and employment policies and procedures have been subject to equality-proofing, including the removal of any unfair discrimination on the basis of age. To underpin this, the MOD has a programme of action on equality and diversity involving the training and development of line and personnel managers, and the monitoring of recruitment, selection and performance management statistics. Training in equal opportunities is mandatory for all recruitment panel members.
In addition, the MOD, like other Departments, has conducted a thorough review of its age retirement policy in light of the Government's commitment to tackle ageism in the workplace as set out in the Code of Practice for Age Diversity in Employment published in 1999.
§ Mr. JenkinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what percentage of new recruits to his Department in the past two years were aged 50 and over. [79301]
§ Dr. Moonie[holding answer 4 November 2002]: The information requested is shown in the tables:
473W
Under 50 50 and over Total %Over 50 Financial Year 2000–2001 Ministry of Defence 5,200 1,348 6,548 20.6 Trading Funds 1,134 116 1,251 9.3 Total 6,334 1,464 7,799 18.8 Notes:
1. Figures exclude casual and Royal Fleet Auxiliary staff.
2. The following methods of recruitment have been included recruitment by CSC, by Department, Re-instatement/Re-employment and unknown.
3. Where the parts do not equal the sum a number of staff with "unknown" age were identified.
4. Financial years run from 1 April to the 31 March.