AQW 10911/22-27

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 26/04/2024
Answered On Date: 03/05/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for the Economy how he will ensure workplaces (i) adopt age-inclusive policies; (ii) identify the factors that support older people in the workplace; and (iii) work to comprehensively establish these.

Answer:

Workers who are supported and valued in the workplace are happier, more productive and more likely to remain with their employer. As people continue to live longer, the number of older people within the workforce will continue to grow.

Age is a protected characteristic under our human rights and equality legislation, therefore employment rights, entitlements and protections apply equally, regardless of age.

My department funds the Labour Relations Agency which provides an advice, guidance and early conciliation service for employers and their employees. This includes an employment document toolkit resource to assist employers in the drafting of workplace policies. We also provide information and guidance to support employers and employees through the NI Direct and NIBusiness Info websites.

Fundamental employment and equality rights are ultimately enforceable through the Industrial and Fair Employment Tribunals if no agreed resolution of disputes can be reached, including matters concerning age related discrimination.

As part of the consultation to support the development of a Good Jobs Bill, I will be seeking views on enhanced rights to make a statutory flexible working request from the first day of employment and the introduction of a right to carer’s leave. These important policies will be available to employees of all ages, however they will be an important means of supporting older people to remain within or re-enter the workplace. Communication and engagement with groups representing the rights of older people, employees, employers and their representative bodies will be important to ensure any legislative changes are adopted by all employers.