LIB DEMS PROPOSE NEW EU MEASURES TO TACKLE "DEMOGRAPHIC TIME-BOMB"

4.39.13pm GMT Thu 23rd Mar 2006

Liz Lynne MEP, Liberal Democrats Employment Spokesperson, called today for Euro MPs from all parties to support calls for new EU proposals to tackle age discrimination.

In an amendment to a European Parliament motion on demographic change, to be voted on today, Liz Lynne calls for the Commission to introduce a specific directive on age discrimination with relation to goods and services.

She has also tabled amendments asking that existing age discrimination legislation be implemented, calling for technology to be made accessible to all and highlighting the issue of multiple discrimination.

Liz Lynne, who is also co-chair of the European Parliament's Intergroup on Age, has long campaigned against all forms of age discrimination, and was responsible for ensuring age discrimination was included in the 2000 EU Employment Directive, which comes into force in the UK this October.

Speaking in Brussels ahead of today's vote, Liz Lynne said "An ageing population is Europe's demographic ticking time-bomb, and tackling age discrimination must be a priority."

"The 2000 Employment Directive will go some way towards removing age discrimination from the workplace, but people across Europe continue to face discrimination based on their age every day when purchasing goods and services. Given the challenges we face, there is a case for a specific directive to tackle this issue."

"MEPs from all parties must back these amendments, which are the only way forward. This is a way for both Labour and Tory MEPs to show they are serious about their commitment to the social agenda."

ENDS

For further information, comment or to book an interview, please telephone Liz Lynne on 003222845521(Brussels) or 077644 52725 (mobile) or the Press Officer in Stratford-Upon-Avon on 01789 262785.