Last week the States passed proposals for a phased introduction of anti-discrimination legislation.
In the first phase, which is scheduled to become law in 2022, the characteristics are disability, race, carer status, sexual orientation and religious belief.
The second phase in 2024 includes the further grounds of sex and age discrimination and a principle of equal pay for work of equal value will be introduced from 2027.
‘Regarding the recent debate, as you might expect, we at Age Concern are delighted that a better understanding of discrimination and the repercussions to the whole community have been agreed in principle,’ David Inglis said.
‘The work now begins to enshrine the policy in law, but we are understandably disappointed as to the lack of recognition regarding age discrimination.
‘This is a hidden weapon not fully understood by the community and how it impacts on many people who wish or need to continue working.
‘After all the age limitation has been put up to 70 by government to ensure that people can access full benefits and pension in years to come.’
He said it would be wrong to ignore the impact now and in the future.
‘Regrettably this appears to be the case. The social impact of restricting access to the workplace because of age needs to be addressed and acted upon within the policies being developed by government now, not in 10 years’ time.’
Mr Inglis said age should not be a barrier to supporting the Guernsey Together ethos as everyone has a part to play in the island’s ‘Revive & Thrive’ recovery plan.
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