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Employment Equality (Insurance Etc)
22 March 2023
Lead MP
Natalie Elphicke
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
EconomyEmploymentWomen & Equalities
Other Contributors: 1
At a Glance
Natalie Elphicke raised concerns about employment equality (insurance etc) in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
Proposed a Bill to amend Schedule 9 of the Equality Act 2010, arguing that nearly 1.5 million people over the age of 65 are working and contributing significantly to sectors like healthcare, social work, education, car industry, and technical sectors. The current law allows employers to discriminate on the basis of age regarding health and insurance employment benefits. This includes Eurotunnel's practice of terminating health insurance and death-in-service benefits for workers reaching their pensionable age. Elphicke highlighted an example of a constituent, Stephen Horne, who was denied these benefits despite continuing his work without change, thus facing discrimination solely based on age. She emphasised that treating older workers fairly will encourage them to stay in the workforce longer and benefit companies by retaining valuable skills.
Natalie Elphicke
Con
Dover
Called for an amendment to prohibit age discrimination concerning insurance or financial services. Emphasised the unfairness and legal rights of employers allowing such practices, citing a constituent's case where health and death-in-service benefits were terminated at retirement age despite continued employment. Advocated for equal treatment in workplace benefits and cited successful precedents with maternity leave reforms.
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Assessment & feedback
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About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.