THERE IS A LIFE AFTER FIFTY
June 28, 2010 12:00 AM
North East MEP Fiona Hall is taking a stand against ageism by signing up to the Newcastle Charter for Changing Age that seeks to change people's attitudes and perceptions towards old age. In the European Parliament she is supporting a Written Declaration calling for EU member states to help people over 55 years back into the labour market.
Said Fiona:
"In the North East, latest forecasts predict that the over 60 age group will increase by 221,000 by the year 2026. In the same time, the 20 to 59 age group will fall by 52,000.
"We simply cannot afford to ignore this changing population structure. People live longer and healthier and many older people are actively involved in their families, communities and in the voluntary sector. They have so much to contribute to society and to our economy.
"However, the economic crisis has affected many older workers and often they find it harder to find jobs again after being made redundant. It is essential that the Government increases its efforts to help people in their fifties back into the labour market. Age should not be a discriminatory factor when employing someone."
The Liberal Democrat MEP has also welcomed the Coalition Government's plan to scrap the default retirement age of 65 at which workers can be legally axed by employers.
Added Fiona:
"People should be allowed to work for as long as they want to. It is absurd to put in place an arbitrary age limit that forces highly experienced and skilled people out of work. Older people should be recognised as assets to our economy and our communities and not be treated as burdens.
"I will continue to work closely with the Coalition Government to put an end to age discrimination."
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