§ Mr. JenkinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what strategies his Department has to ensure that there is no ageism in recruitment and retention processes. [79291]
§ Mr. HuttonThe Department is committed to ensure that older people are never unfairly discriminated and complies with the rules and requirements of theMinister's Rules for Selection, The Civil Service Order Council, Treasury and equal opportunity and employment protection legislation. Ageism is not tolerated within the Department.
Our recruitment, development, performance management and retention policies are continuously reviewed. There are no age barriers to employment.
The Department is considering how best to implement the recommendations contained in the Government's Winning the Generation Game report, which examines age-related issues such as flexible retirement beyond the normal retiring age of 60.
§ Mr. JenkinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of new recruits to his Department in the past two years were aged 50 and over. [79303]
§ Mr. HuttonThe percentages an of new recruits aged over 50, who joined the Department during the past two years, are as follows:
1 April 2000 and 31 March 2001 Total Percentage Total recruits 730 Total recruits aged 50 or over 66 9
1 April 2001 and 31 March 2002 Total Percentage Total recruits 627 Total recruits aged 50 or over 129 21