Celia wins her case against Council's "ageism" policy (South East Region Liberal Democrats)

South East Region Liberal Democrats <info@southeastlibdems.org.uk>

Celia wins her case against Council's "ageism" policy

March 19, 2008 5:47 PM

Worthing Borough Council has today agreed that keep-fit instructor Celia Powis will continue to take her classes at Worthing Leisure Centre until 31st January 2009.

Evidence put forward at the appeal hearing today, which lasted just over two hours, was carefully considered before the conclusion reached.

Cllr Robin Rogers (Shadow Cabinet Member for Culture , Leisure & Sport and Celia's Ward Councillor) said:

"I very much hope Celia will to continue teaching her popular fitness classes until January 2009 and beyond, when the position will be reviewed again and I am pleased the Council finally reached agreement on the right way forward."

"The Council should always be fair with all staff and in the light of Celia's case, I hope the Cabinet Member will carry out an urgent review of the policies that are in place regarding employing people beyond the normal retirement age at 65 to avoid another member of staff going through this again."

"Worthing Council's adopted policy to deal with age discrimination should be fully compliant with current UK legislation, clearly there was a very serious failure in this case and as Celia's local Ward Councillor I was only too pleased to step in and help to see justice be done."

"The Council's procedures in dealing with Mrs Powis' request for a further extension of her contract clearly failed in this instance."