Wise Owls are running a campaign to encourage the government to conduct an Age audit for the all public sector organisations.
We are running this campaign because over three years of anti ageism legislation we are still unclear how well the legislation is working and will be until we have some base line figures to work with.
www.wiseowls.co.uk (the support agency / website for older workers aged 45 -65) have produced a report report following research using the Freedom of Information Act on all Local authorities in England and London. The situation remains bad, with millions who want work still not in employment. When we have approached ministers they have always asked us for further evidence. Well here it is.
We have set up a charter for employers to sign that ask for an age audit as well as themselves committing to keeping and publishing statistics of their workplace. You too can sign it by clicking here Wise Owls Age Diversity Employment Charter
We are asking the public sector to follow our example.
Wise Owls Age audit is as follows.
The Wise Owls Age audit is as follows:
Under 25's: x
25-49: x
50+ x
65+
If this is done then ministers, local council chiefs and other public sector decision makers would be forced to see the extent of any problem and the mismatch between the workforce and the populations they serve. If they also promised to inform the media and the public of the results then we would all see just how well these bodies are implementing age diversity and equality in their own practice. We might then actually get some improvement in the way staff are hired and fired to reflect the age make up and needs of the people they serve. For those bodies that are really employing an age diverse staff drawing on the different benefits that all ages can provide to an organisation, then it will give them the chance to promote their good equalities practice. It may also encourage other employers, particularly PLCs and larger organisations, to follow their example.
The necessity to have an age audit remains as important as ever and it will be out commitment to achieve this aim.
Present action:
Freedom of Information report
Wise Owls Age Diversity Employment Charter
Age Audit full report
Previous action:
A petition to Ten Downing Street - the details of which are here
Letter in the Independent newspaper
