A Green Paper issued by the government in June has relieved fears that Saga holidays may be forced to offer its services to people of all ages rather than the over 50’s market which it currently serves.
The government are currently in a period of consultation for a Single Equality Act for Great Britain which will ensure that: “There will always be positive reasons to treat people differently because of their age, for example when providing concessionary travel for both younger and older people, and services targeted at particular age groups.”
The proposed bill will aim to “make sure that legislation addressed negative age discrimination without preventing different treatment on grounds of age which has positive consequences or is justifiable, for example because it enables services to be delivered more efficiently and effectively.”
Saga Director Tim Bull claimed the publication of the Green Paper - Discrimination Law Review - A Framework for Fairness was a victory for common sense: “Saga has campaigned vigorously for a solution that roots out genuine discrimination where it exists but also protects the consumer. These proposals effectively allow organisations to serve the needs of older people, offering value and choice.”
