For immediate release: 30th October 2003

 

Media contact: Miriam Lea

Telephone: 020 8 765 7511 Out of hours:07071 243 243

 

Age Concern comment on the Governmentsannouncement on a Commission for Equality and Human Rights

 

Gordon Lishman, AgeConcern Englands Director-General said:

 

A Commission for Equality and Human Rights will be amajor step forward in fighting for equality for all but especially older peoplewhose rights will be covered by such a body for the first time.

 

However, the battle to make age discrimination a thing ofthe past is far from over. The Commission will only be as strong as the powersand duties it is accorded by law and by the funding it gets from Government.

 

At the moment age discrimination robssociety and the economy of the valuable skills and experience of older people.At the same time, it denies older people the opportunities they deserve.

 

The Commission must break the age barrier,challenge attitudes and change hearts and minds so that older people can make afull contribution as workers, carers, consumers and citizens.

 

Ends

Notes to Editors

 

Radio Producers:Age Concern offers an ISDN facility