§ Mr. BercowTo ask the President of the Council what steps the Department is taking to address the issue of age discrimination. [109450]
§ Dr. John ReidMy Department has a commitment that there should be no unfair treatment of staff on the basis of age. The Privy Council Office has implemented the recommendations of the Performance and Innovation Unit report, "Winning the Generation Game", in particular that permanent staff can stay on up to the age of 65 subject to operational requirements.
My Department currently employs two staff who are beyond retirement age. Both are fee paid and employed for their skills and to meet the needs of the Department. My Department has also taken advantage of the New Deal for Over 50s.