Employers across the Bradford district are being urged to help stamp out age discrimination.

The Government is warning firms and recruitment agencies to adapt to population changes which will see 41 per cent of the available workforce aged over 45 within the next ten years.

At the other end of the scale, nearly a fifth of potential employees will be under 25 by 2010, and Employment and Equal Opportunities Minister Margaret Hodge says firms who ignore either age group will do so at their peril.

"We can't afford to waste the talents, energy, commitment and experience of so many people. They don't deserve to be thrown into unemployment. We are taking action, but need the support of every employer and individual to stop discounting people simply because of their age," she said.

Advice on how to stop age prejudice is given in the Government's Age Diversity code of practice.

Bradford Chamber of Commerce and Industry spokesman, Mike Cartwright, said: "I think age is a big thing in Bradford and in the next generation there's going to be a lot more young people coming into the labour market, but I don't think employers need to be told about recruitment policies.

"Good employers will recognise the job skills and virtues of applicants of all ages and they would appoint on merit, not on age."

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