ELDERLY people and older employees today begin the fight back against age discrimination.

They are calling for a better deal for pensioners and legislation to bar discrimination on grounds of age in the workplace - and the Evening Press is backing them all the way.

Throughout this week we plan to run a series of articles looking at some of the problems faced by elderly and older people in today's society - starting with a major feature tomorrow on discrimination in the workplace.

Charity Age Concern, which is behind this week's national campaign, says there is a whole culture of discrimination against older people in Britain, found in the workplace, in health care, in education and in finance.

James Player, chief officer of the charity's York branch, said: "What society needs more than anything else is a change in attitude. We need a more positive image of the contribution older people can make to society."

Age Concern is putting pressure on politicians all this week to back a Private Member's Bill put forward by Labour backbencher Linda Perham which calls for age limits in job adverts to be made illegal.

The bill is due to get its second reading in the House of commons on Friday - but could well fail for lack of Parliamentary time.

MPs are also being urged to sign an Early Day Motion calling for legislation to outlaw age discrimination in the same way as race and sex discrimination.

York MP Hugh Bayley has already put his name to the motion but admits he will be unable to attend the vote on the Perham Bill on Friday.

But he said discrimination was not too strong a word for the prejudice and indifference faced by older people, especially in the workplace, and he supported the bill.

He said: "If you say that you will consider someone for a job who is aged 39 but not someone aged 40, irrespective of qualifications or suitability, that's discrimination. It is as bad as any other form."

He said legislation would not end the practice. But he added: "It reduces it, and makes it clear that it is not acceptable."

* If you have faced discrimination on the grounds of age, contact Stephen Lewis at the Evening Press with your story, on 01904 653051 ext 339.

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