Employees

Some of the companies that spent the last decade and a half `letting go' their older workers are now discovering the important contribution they can make. Unfortunately the irony will be lost on those individuals directly affected. So the employers supporting the EFA's campaign for a mixed age work force are to be commended.

However much of this is not deliberate ageism. It's just that age is pretty closely correlated to cost, and downsizing is all about cost-saving. That's why getting early access to pension money is so crucial.

It is to be regretted that the government has refused to overrule Inland Revenue worries about the complexities of relaxing the current rules. It has already listened when employers said the best way to tackle overt discrimination is a voluntary code, not legislation. It should listen now about measures to help overcome indirect discrimination.

Meanwhile, community affairs directors can consider one practical action, by following the good example of United Biscuits. Its local part-time community relations managers are often executives nearing retirement, but also retained part-time by the business to undertake project assignments where their experience is invaluable. This is a classic win-win arrangement, as their community experience helps some make an eventual transition to a new career in the third sector.

Corporate Citizenship Briefing, issue no: 42 - October, 1998