Wokingham

Wokingham District Council is joining employers across Great Britain in the fight to tackle ageism at work. Age Positive Week, from Monday May 8 to Friday May 12, aims to challenge ageist stereotypes at work and promote positive examples of employers and employees defying ageism.

Wokingham District Council has recently been rewarded for its age-friendly employment practices by the government. The council is the first employer in the Wokingham district to be awarded “Employer Champion” status by the Age Positive campaign, a Department for Work and Pensions initiative aimed at tackling age discrimination in the workplace. The accolade is in recognition of the council’s open-minded approach to employing staff of all ages.

Stephen Timms, Minister of State for Pensions Reform, praised the council saying: “Wokingham District Council is one of the most forward-thinking organisations in the country, taking advantage of the benefits that come from employing staff of all ages.”

The council has included age in their equal opportunities policies to ensure that there is no ageism in their recruitment and selection process and encourages staff to stay on beyond 65. This in turn helps to reduce vacancies and ensures continuity of service delivery.

Peter Richardson joined Wokingham Council as a temporary facilities manager, and was made permanent last May at the age of 57.

“I think that my age was seen as a plus factor,” says Peter. “It meant that I had acquired a diversity of experience and qualifications. This was seen as beneficial to the role.

“I feel that I have the drive and enthusiasm to carry me through any challenges that lie ahead. I enjoy doing the work and working with the staff here.”

Nancy Brinkies is 72 years old and works for Wokingham council at Suffolk Lodge residential care home, where she has been a cleaner for 15 years.

“I really enjoy my job, and although I’m sure there will come a time when I have to give up, I will miss the job when I go,” she says. “I feel very fortunate that I am still able to work, and I do believe it is important for older people to have that opportunity. It’s so much better than sitting at home stagnating.”

Executive member for human resources Wokingham Cllr Rob Stanton said: “I am a firm supporter of people working as long as they wish and for all people to be chosen on merit and suitability and certainly not age.”

Wokingham District Council