22 June 2004 - Age Positive crusaders awarded national winners commended for fight against workplace age discrimination
Age Positive Award winners were officially recognised at a ceremony hosted by Lorraine Kelly and Malcolm Wicks, Minister for Pensions, at Lancaster House in London today. The Awards, which recognise employers who have taken positive steps in tackling age discrimination and individuals who confound negative age stereotypes, are being run for the fourth year.
Overall Outstanding Achievement Awards were presented to employer winner Bridgend County Borough Council in Wales, and individual winner, 22-year-old Becky Brewis from Barclays, who saw off competition from entries across Great Britain.
Malcolm Wicks commented: "It is clear that employers and individuals are challenging ageist stereotypes and showing that it is ability not age that counts in the workplace. Many people over 50 want to work and are prevented from doing so by ageism. The Government is committed to working with employers to provide opportunities to those older individuals who want to work, for as long as they are able to do so. This is not about raising state pension age or making people work until they drop, rather it is about removing barriers and age discrimination and offering individual choice.”
Sam Mercer, from Employers Forum on Age, said: “Bridgend County Borough Council has taken a strategic approach to examine their policies to reflect best practice. As a local authority, they are a great example of an employer who is introducing age positive measures into all their human resource policies.”
Neil Lodwick, from Human Resources at Bridgend County Borough Council, said: “We are delighted to be the first Welsh Council to receive this Award as we have made great steps towards tackling the problem of age discrimination. We totally support the Age Positive campaign and are very pleased to be on board - not only to champion the cause, but also to help other Welsh organisations to realise the value and benefit of having a mixed-age workforce.”
Also awarded was Becky Brewis, of Barclays. At 22 years of age, Becky is an inspirational example that ability, not age, indicates success at work. Becky joined Barclays in November 1999 as a temp, but due to her drive, determination and natural ability, she accelerated up the ranks. Becky now manages a department of 120 staff, as well as tackling challenging cost targets and new business.
Becky said: “I’m thrilled to receive this award. I am particularly proud to work for an inclusive organisation such as Barclays, where employees seeking opportunities to further their career can do so whatever their age or background. Equality and diversity is integral to how we do business at Barclays and it is fantastic that our age positive culture has been recognised in this way.”
A Special Contribution Award was also presented to Morgan Cole, a leading law firm, for their efforts in implementing age positive policies including launching a two-year campaign to support HR professionals and their organisations in the lead up to the 2006 legislation on age discrimination.
The Awards were held as part of Age Positive Week, which aims to raise awareness of age diversity issues and challenge negative age stereotypes.
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