Armed forces try to avoid anti-ageist law
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Britain was last night holding out for key concessions from a package of European Union workplace rights to exempt the armed forces from having to guarantee equality to older and disabled people.
Britain was last night holding out for key concessions from a package of European Union workplace rights to exempt the armed forces from having to guarantee equality to older and disabled people.
After three hours of tough talking, ministers from the 15 member states were still locked in battle over a controversial new directive to impose legal sanctions against employers which discriminate against their workers.
The package also aims to protect workers from discrimination on grounds of race, religion and sexual orientation, in the selection of employees, their promotion and their working conditions. The Ministry of Defence accepts the need for equality in most of these areas but not in disability and age, as combat readiness is a key factor, it says.
A recent judgment by the European Court of Human Rights ruled against discrimination against gays, and increased opposition to further changes among the chiefs of staff.
As well as the exemption for the armed forces, the UK was demanding up to eight years to put the law into practice.
Meanwhile Ireland was calling for separate concessions to proposed laws against religious discrimination to protect teacher recruitment policies in both Catholic and Protestant schools. The package was being backed strongly by campaigners for older workers.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments