APPENDIX 19
Memorandum from Age Concern—Waltham
Forest
I understand that you are conducting an inquiry
into age discrimination in employment.
Mr Bain has contacted me regarding his experience.
He currently works within the transport section of the London
Borough of Waltham Forest but must retire in July 2001 when he
reaches 65. He is able and fit and wishes to continue working,
not least because he needs to continue earning to support his
standard of living. He feels very strongly that he should not
have to retire against his will simply on the basis of age.
The London Borough of Waltham Forest does indeed
operate a discriminatory policy with regard to employment over
the age of 65 and imposes this policy also onto organisations
(voluntary and commercial) with which it contracts. We have raised
this issue with the Social Services Department in the past, to
no avail.
We have heard from many older people living
in the Borough of Waltham Forest who have had to retire because
of their age, but who wish, or who need, to continue to work.
Indeed, we are holding a seminar later this year on this and other
older people's employment issues.
Age Concern Waltham Forest has a policy, which
allows people over the age of 65 to continue to work if they so
wish, and for new staff over the age of 65 to be employed by the
organisation. We have found older people good employees. We see
no reason for compulsory retirement at the age of 65 or for age
discrimination in recruitment.
Age Concern Waltham Forest
January 2001
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