South Wales Police

Responding to news reports today that a Swansea police officer who has just picked up a bravery award has been told he has to retire because of budget cuts, Age Cymru’s Director of Influencing and Programme Development Victoria Lloyd says:

“Age Cymru is extremely disappointed by the actions of South Wales Police.

“Forcing valued members of staff to retire in order to cut costs flies right in the face of equality legislation and runs contrary to the UK Government’s plan to abolish forced retirement in 2011.

“Age should not be a deciding factor when making decisions on staffing. 

“The pressure to slash budgets in the current financial climate is no justification for bypassing basic equality principles which should withstand even the toughest economic and political environment.”