Larger organizations warn about the increase in discrimination by age in the workplace.

-58% Of European citizens think that in his country are discriminated against on grounds of age

– according to Eurobarometer report on discrimination in the European Union in 2009 ”, Spanish society for age discrimination takes second place (61%) as the most common types of discrimination in our country, after the ethnic origin (66%) and before the disability (56%)

Madrid, March 2012.- Continuing with the awareness campaign twelve causes for 2012 ” that began last January UDP in collaboration with the Imserso in the European year for active ageing, February is dedicated to the subject of discrimination by age, under the motto: a society for all ages.

Age discrimination is the great forgotten in the fight for equality. According to Eurobarometer report on discrimination in the European Union in 2009 ”, the perception of Europeans that age discrimination is a widespread practice in his country has increased by 16 points in a single year, from 42 per cent in 2008 to 58% in 2009, after the ethnic origin (61%) and disability (53%).

in this same survey, for Spanish citizenship (see) age discrimination occupies the second place (61%) as the most common types of discrimination in our countryAfter ethnic origin (66%) and before the disability (56%).

Also, 48% of Europeans and 43% of Spaniards consider that age can be a disadvantage when it comes to getting a job, the same percentages that are granted to the aspect, the form of dress or occur.

In a Eurobarometer Special on active ageing ” published on January 2012 on the occasion of the celebration of the European year for active ageing and intergenerational solidarity, reflected that 15% of Spaniards and Europeans as a whole have witnessed cases of discrimination by age and 6% has been a victim of discrimination because of their age in the workplace or when looking for work.

The data reflect this situation, according to the report of the labour market of those over 45 years of ”, carried out by the Observatory of the occupations of the Ministry of labour and immigration in 2011 and which collects data to December 2010, 36,84 per cent of those unemployed who are between 55 and 59 years, and 39,70% of the 59 years age are unemployed long term, i.e. take more than two years without employment. What must be added the increase in dismissals of people older than 55 years, in 2010 the number of unemployed aged 55 to 59 increased 13,07%.

The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health conducted a study which focused on older persons. The report indicated the need to take action against discrimination and exclusion of the elderly: … the most important problem with the global ageing is the guarantee the exercise of the human rights of older persons.

For a society for all ages is essential that steps be taken to eradicate discrimination and the exclusion of these persons and to ensure access to services suited to their needs … ”.

Contributions of associations of older

-From the associations of older United Nations are urged to develop a Convention International of the rights of older persons, as stated in the Brasilia Declaration (December 2007).

– request from administrations on aging policy design from the prism of human rights, not from the coverage of basic services.

– demand that you pursued legally from the perspective of human rights any discrimination on grounds of age, paying special attention which occurs within labour.

-companies must integrate into their structures demographic changes that occur, so personnel development policies should be designed to take advantage of the strengths of the workers of all ages.

-the workers have the right and the duty of training throughout their working lives and take care of their health.

should be designed specific policies for the staff of SMEs to promote the transition from employee to employer.

– should encourage the integration of personnel with experience, continuous training, vocational training, occupational risk prevention above all of those who come from work arduous.

– to support entrepreneurial initiatives of mature persons, with fiscal measures and administrative.

– calls for corporate communication campaigns, within enterprises, where influences the importance of staff of older as a source of experience and knowledge.

– Suggested training managers to manage teams of different ages, that would value the capabilities and differences of all people.

– calls for the implementation of awareness-raising campaigns in the training areas, schools, institutes, universities, where be taught the value of experience, and knowledge that can make people older.

– would also be useful to inform the Group of elders to make them aware of their rights and duties with the society.

– be encouraged the creation and use of channels of expression and media in the elderly where broadcast their own messages.

-is essential to promote associationism as a tool social participation.

– As well as enhance the voice of the bodies representing older: tips, associations, confederations, providing the possibility of creating equipment of communication for the issuance of your messages.

The final document with reports, arguments and contributions of associations of older will be delivered to policymakers of major national and regional administrations, as well as entities, bodies and institutions related to the third sector, and the media.