According to the Advertiser (November 18) research by Saga shows that more workers are putting off retirement for financial reasons and even more will work past retirement age by 2020.

But far too many people in Swindon who want to work in their fifties and sixties can't get jobs now and feel discriminated against because of their age.

Others are made to retire even when jobs need to be done and there are vacancies to be filled.

That's why Age Concern has launched our Break the Age Barrier campaign and is inviting local employers to sign a Business Pledge to eradicate ageism in employment and develop a diverse workforce.

The Government has just finished one round of consultation about legislation which will have to be in place in two years which will go some way to banish age discrimination in employment.

Of course some Swindon employers have already realised a diverse workforce makes good sense. Following the example of Nationwide Building Society, more signed the Business Pledge at our Age Concern conference just last week. And we're looking forward to the day when one of our biggest local employers, Swindon Council signs up, too!

Age Concern wants to see real flexibility which is best for both employers and employees and good for the economy.

We don't want to see a "default" retirement age of 70 which could mean that people are expected to work till that age and then have to stop. We want to see some fairness, too, so that everyone has proper access to training and employment related benefits like sick pay irrespective of their age.

Adver readers can find out more about our Break the Age Barrier campaign from me at Age Concern Swindon, 14 Milton Road SN1 5JE or go to www.ageconcern. org.uk and follow the links to campaigns. And I'd be pleased to hear from more local employers who want to join us and sign the Business Pledge to stamp out ageism in their workplace.

J Osorio

Director, Age Concern Swindon