MEP BACKS LEGAL BID TO END MANDATORY RETIREMENT AGE

4.36.55pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 3rd Jul 2008

The MEP who first helped to ensure that age discrimination in the workplace was outlawed across the EU has said she hopes the European Court of Justice will decide the UK Government is wrong to let people in the UK still get the sack simply because they are over 65.

Local LibDem Euro-MP Liz Lynne, who is the Liberal Democrat Employment Spokesperson in the European Parliament and was shadow rapporteur for the Employment Directive 2000, which forced the Government to introduce anti age discrimination legislation in the UK in 2006, said:

"In 2000, I worked hard in the European Parliament to ensure that age was included in the original European Directive, which forced the Government to bring in workplace age discrimination legislation in the UK.

"Sadly, the Government's interpretation of the law has led to a contradictory situation whereby employers cannot discriminate on the basis of age, but as soon as an employee reaches 65 they can be sacked for no reason other than their age.

"The Government has said it will look at the situation in 2011 - this is far too late for the thousands of people who will want to stay in work in the meantime.

"I hope the European Courts will rule that the Government's interpretation of this valuable European legislation is not acceptable, let us hope the review marks the end of this outdated and unfair practice."

"We must end the sudden cliff edge of retirement that forces people to stop working at a certain age whether they want to or not, whilst ensuring that individuals still remain entitled to a state pension at an agreed statutory age."