Age discrimination in the workplace

Continuing the theme of the previous post, my accountants at Dufton Kellner report in their January newsletter:

“Ageism in the workplace is particularly topical this year, with the high profile case of Miriam O’Reilly highlighting some of the issues. In January 2011, Miriam O’Reilly successfully won an employment tribunal on the grounds of ageism after she was ‘axed’ from her job as a presenter on ‘Countryfile’, along with three other women, all over the age of 40.

“Commenting on the outcome of the case, Michelle Mitchell, Charity Director at Age UK, said:

‘The outcome of this high profile case sends out a powerful signal that even in the youth-worshipping world of show business, age discrimination can be withstood. The idea that wrinkles or grey hair can sound the death knell for the careers of female TV presenters is beyond appalling, especially in a country where over a third of the population is aged 50 and over.’

Dufton Kellner : “To read relevant guidance for both employers and employees visit

Internet links: Age UK comment Acas website.

An Age for Celebration

Today’s message is a hugely positive one. Many people want to actively embrace getting a little older.  

New research by Age UK‚ the new force combining Age Concern and Help the Aged‚ has revealed that 95% of people over 60 think getting older should be a time of enjoyment and celebration.

This is despite 78% of this age group feeling that older people are ignored by society. The polling for Age UK by YouGov also revealed that 82% of over-60s felt that older people’s voices were not heard as much as younger people’s. It also highlighted how work‚ not necessarily just age‚ may play a defining role in this with 64% saying they felt working people had a greater voice than those who were retired.

The same poll also found that when asked about what could be done locally to improve their lives‚ being treated with dignity and respect came top for the over-60s (46%). This was closely followed by 34% saying opportunities to learn new hobbies‚ and 32% citing that more frequent and accessible public transport would improve their lives.

Truly a  Time for celebration not wishful thinking. This is the essence of what we do: 34% would like to have the opportunity to learn new hobbies. Here one might read hobbies to include also, gainful occupations.

Plenty of work to do then. More to come on this.

For full report on the above go to:

http://www.ageuk.org.uk/latest-press/archive/95-of-people-over-60-feel-ageing-should-be-a-time-of-celebration/

Older people urged to fight ageism

Celebrate older age – and fight ageism!
on Wednesday, 28 April 2010 seniorsdiscounts.com reported:

Age Uk is the new Age Concern and Help the Aged – a combined force that diligently does its homework. New research, The polling for Age UK by YouGov has revealed that 95 per cent of people over 60 strongly believed that they should celebrate older age, but 78 per cent felt ignored and excluded from society. Additionally, 82 per cent felt that older people were not heeded as much as younger people – this is due partly to the fact that working people’s voices are heard more than those of the retired, as believed by 64 per cent of respondents. 46 per cent felt that it was most important to be treated with respect and dignity, 34 per cent prioritised opportunities to learn new hobbies and 32 per cent said the provision of frequent and accessible public transport would enhance their lives.

Charity Director for Age UK Michelle Mitchell said: “As a group within society, people in later life often feel ignored, and this research clearly demonstrates how this is a reality experienced by the majority. Ageing can present many challenges, particularly for those experiencing disadvantage. Age UK campaigns and provides services and solutions to help improve later life.”

Age UK is to launch a new television advertising campaign aimed at a wide audience to promote public awareness of how it can help, its services and products and how it can be contacted, together with this recent research on ageing. The organisation is calling upon older people all over the country to tell others about their own inspiring stories of achievement. This is part of the organisation’s mission to improve the quality of later life for everyone and the aim is to dispel and to challenge some of the myths and stereotypes about older age.

The campaign is led by Diana Moran the Green Goddess a 70-year-old model who said: “I am an extremely active 70-year-old and make a very valuable contribution to society. I am happy to help highlight the search to find stories of other people doing remarkable things and celebrating the joy of later life.”

Ms Mitchell emphasised the organisation’s beliefs that “an ageing society presents tremendous opportunities that should rightly be celebrated, and it is heartening to see that this is a belief held by such a high percentage of those polled.” Telling such inspiring stories is one means of celebrating later life and, she said, is a first step in making older people’s voices heard “loud and clear.” Stories can be sent to [email protected].

For further reports and articles on similar or related topics as the above you should go to seniorsdiscountsco.uk