Support for anti-ageism measures

Nearly a third of the Maltese believe age discrimination is fairly widespread, according to a Eurobarometer survey.

Three per cent of Maltese actually felt discriminated against on the grounds of age, while the survey found 42 per cent of Europeans believed this discrimination was widespread.

The Maltese seem comfortable with having a younger leader under the age of 30 but are less comfortable with a leader over 75.

Eighty-nine per cent were in favour of introducing measures to offer equal opportunities in the field of employment to those who might be discriminated against due to their age. To help reduce such discrimination, the European Commission is organising an information campaign - For Diversity. Against Discrimination - informing Europeans about their rights and responsibilities under EU legislation. The campaign, organised in all member states, sets out to combat any discrimination based on a person's racial or ethnic origin in all areas of life and any discrimination in the workplace based on age, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief.

www.stop-discrimination.info