MEP welcomes end of the 'over-50 scrap heap'

11.25.36am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 2nd Oct 2006

The new laws coming into force in the workplace today banning age discrimination should mean an end to employees being thrown onto the employment scrap heap at fifty - that is the message from the MEP who fought for the original EU legislation that led to today's changes.

West Midlands Lib Dem Euro-MP Liz Lynne, who was responsible for having age included in the European Employment Directive 2000 which now forms the basis of the new UK law, said:

"Until now, we have had the terrible situation that someone could work for a company for 30 years, be thrown onto the employment scrap heap at 50 and have to eke out an existence without work until they reach retirement age.

"They can have all the skills and motivation they need to do a job brilliantly but because of the prejudice and disadvantages older people face, it can be virtually impossible to get another job.

"But now, the new anti-discrimination laws give unequivocal support to older people and they should feel confident that they can expect equal treatment when they apply for work.

"My hope is that it will inspire many of the older people who have experienced the scrap heap to make the most of their talents and abilities and feel they can get out there again and prove how much they have to offer.

""The fact that the law also covers discrimination against younger people means we should also see a welcome end to younger people being passed over for promotion simply because of their age."

Editor's Notes

The Employment Equality (Age) Regulations 2006, which ban age discrimination in the workplace, come into effect on 1st October 2006.

Liz Lynne MEP was the ALDE Shadow Rapporteur on the European Employment Directive 2000 that outlaws discrimination in the employment field on the grounds of a person's disability, age, religion or sexuality which is the basis for this new Employment Equality Act.