Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Society: Age bias `a national shame'

Sunday 01 February 1998 19:02 EST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

More than 18 million British adults have experienced age discrimination in employment, health or welfare, according to a new survey released today.

The Gallup poll found that 70 per cent of the population believe age discrimination exists, while 18.5 million Britons have personal experience of it in one or more aspect of their life. Only half of them were over 45 - showing that it is a problem which affects most ages.

The survey was carried out for Age Concern to mark the beginning of the UK's first age discrimination week, when the charity will press the Government to introduce new legislation to outlaw the practice. It found that: 8 million people have experienced age discrimination in employment - 35 per cent were between 45-64, while 27 per cent were 16-24; almost 3 million people say they have been denied health care because of their age, while 6 million say they have experienced discrimination in insurance services; and 3.6 million feel they have suffered discrimination in financial services. Sally Greengross, director general of Age Concern, said: "Age discrimination is a national shame and should be outlawed. Our survey proves that action to eliminate it is essential."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in