20-3-02

GOVERNMENT MUST REMEMBER YOUNG WHEN TACKLING AGE DISCRIMINATION - BARRETT

John Barrett, the Scottish Liberal Democrat MP for Edinburgh West, has called on the Government not to forget younger people when considering age discrimination. Mr Barrett made his comments today, during a Westminster Hall Debate.

In a statement, Mr Barrett said:
“When the issue of age discrimination comes up, many people instinctively think of discrimination against older people and particularly in the work place. However, it is important to remember that young people also face age discrimination in their daily lives.

“Areas such as voting rights and the minimum wage are two particular issues I was pleased to raise with MPs in the debate today. In terms of the right to vote, 16 and 17 year olds can pay tax, but can’t select the people who will spend their taxes. They can fight for their country but can’t select the people who will send them to war. The Government should end this anomaly by giving everyone over 16 years old the right to vote and stand for election.

“On the minimum wage, it is a disgrace that those under 21 receive a significantly lower rate than older workers. People should be paid equally for work of equal value and any lower rate in the National Minimum Wage should be assessed by training, not age.”

ENDS