Today Ian McCartney set out the Government's commitment to beating ageism and eradicating older people stereotypes.

Forum Response: Age Concern

A spokesperson from Age Concern told ePolitix.com, "We are delighted to hear the Government's commitment to fighting ageism in the UK and the recognition that it is time to put an end to discrimination against older people in employment and public services and the Government's acceptance of the need for legislation to tackle age discrimination in employment by adopting the EU Directive on Equal Treatment is very welcome.

"However, if we are serious about rooting out ageism wherever it occurs, we must adopt comprehensive primary legislation, going far wider than employment, similar to that adopted by nations including Australia and the US. It must cover society as a whole, just as other anti-discrimination law protecting other groups does; applying to employment, public services, consumer services, financial services and education. This is essential if we are to change attitudes and in the new century make ageism a thing of the past."

Forum Response: Help the Aged

Mervyn Kohler, head of public affairs for Help the Aged told ePolitix.com: "The Minister's up-beat speech about 'beating ageism' is very welcome. His spirit and commitment is clear. He promises 'an end to discrimination against older people in employment and access to other public services', which is more than the Government is presently proposing - future legislation seems narrowly and wrongly focused only on age discrimination in the workplace.

"His other promise, 'opportunities for all citizens - young and old alike', will depend crucially on the way in which the pension debate gets resolved, since for too many older people their lack of opportunity is a direct consequence of their lack of money."