The Big Question

Joan Scott, Action Unlimited

Age counts for a lot – if a younger person goes for a job
they’re likely to get it instead of the older person.  Employers pay young people less
and if they can get wages lower they will. Older people do the same
day’s work as anybody else, so it’s unfair they are
discriminated against. 
Everyone should be treated equally.

Karen Shook, Disability equality
adviser

Older people have a wealth of knowledge  and experiences that can make a
real contribution in all sectors of employment. Older people may
also be more flexible than younger employees and have more
transferable skills. 
Employers are denying their businesses reliable and flexible
staff.
 

Jean S
togdon, Grandparents Plus

The current attitude leads to a loss of valuable experience and
reinforces ageist working practices.  This is endemic in the health
and social care services where younger professionals often
patronise older people and do not utilise their strengths –
especially older family members who have a wealth of child care
experience and skill.
 

Kerry Evans, Paren tof two severley autistic
sons

A mixture of old and young in the workplace makes for a balanced
workforce, but the aged should not be pressurised to work. The
50-70 age bracket have every right to claw back something from the
tax system.  If pensioners
want to remain active they should not have to sacrifice their
pensions to do so.