Equality of Opportunity Committee

Inquiry into Older People and Employment Discrimination

On 24 March 2009, the Committee agreed to conduct a short and focused scrutiny inquiry into discrimination against older people in relation to employment.

Terms of Reference

The terms of reference for this inquiry were to:

• identify some key areas of concern regarding discrimination against older people in relation to employment; and,

• scutinise each Welsh Minister with powers and responsibilities which impact on older people, on the employment related outcomes of actions taken by the Welsh Assembly Government since the publication of its Strategy for Older People in Wales in 2003, particularly with regard to the key areas of concern identified by the Committee.

Key areas of concern were identified through:

• literature review of current research and policy developments in this area.

• a small, informal and temporary reference group of key stakeholders.

• other methods of identifying key issues may be used where appropriate, for example, the appointment of an expert to advise the Committee.

Temporary Stakeholder Reference Group

• TUC Wales

• Older People’s Commissioner Wales

• Prime Cymru

• Age Concern Cymru and Help the Aged in Wales