Raising Retirement Age Will Not Tackle Ageism Alone - Liberal Democrats

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 2nd Jul 2003

Government proposals to tackle age discrimination in the workplace leave many areas untouched in which older people get a raw deal, the Liberal Democrats said today.

Paul Burstow MP, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Older People, said: "Age discrimination is rife in the UK and these Government proposals are too limited to tackle it."

"Institutional ageism exists in many of our public services such as health care being rationed on age. It also exists in the sale of goods and services such as financial services."

"What is required is comprehensive age discrimination legislation that will give people the right to challenge ageism throughout our society."

Vince Cable MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow DTI Secretary, said: "There is enormous potential amongst older people who wish to work but are barred by an arbitrary age ceiling."

"The Government must not use this initiative as a means of resolving the pension problem through the back door by compelling people to postpone their age of pension."