ANTI-AGEISM POLICIES IN UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES

Early day motion 1836, tabled 4 July 2007 by Gordon Marsden (Labour). Signed by 49 members.

That this House notes with concern the case of Richard Kirkwood, lecturer in social sciences at London Metropolitan University, who despite wishing to continue in post as a teacher beyond the age of 65 years has had his request turned down; urges Brian Roper, Vice-Chancellor of London Metropolitan University, to accede to Mr Kirkwood's request and the petition of more than 300 students from the university describing him as an inspirational, motivational and excellent lecturer; and calls on the new Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills to discuss urgently with universities and colleges ways of implementing a flexible retirement age for their staff so as to remove unacceptable ageism within the sector.

Signatures by party: Labour 35, Liberal Democrat 10, Conservative 2, DUP 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1.