Seniors advocacy group Age Concern is “deeply disappointed” that Government is not yet prepared to prohibit age discrimination in employment.Community Development Minister Wayne Scott has said that while he will be asking parliament to prohibit age discrimination in the provision of goods, services and accommodation, more research needs before the prohibition can be extended to the realm of employment.But Age Concern’s board of directors are calling on the Minister to “set a time frame” for the research “so that seniors can be removed from the vulnerability of loss of jobs simply because of age, as soon as practical’”.The board declared itself “deeply disappointed and curious” and said prohibition of age discrimination in the workplace should be an “integral part” of amendments to the Human Rights Act, which are scheduled to be tabled in parliament on May 17.“What specifically does the Minister mean when he states that more research needs to be done before Parliament considers prohibiting age discrimination in employment? Is the Government, and the Minister in particular, aware of the Equality Act passed in the UK in 2010 and that the age discrimination section came into effect on October 1, 2012?” Age Concern’s statement reads.“The 2010 Census indicates that there is a decreasing working-age population and an increasing ageing population. In light of these demographic trends there needs to be a well thought-out strategy for transfer of experience and knowledge which can provide benefits across the community.“How does Bermuda intend to ease the potential burden of an ageing population on fewer workers while at the same time providing opportunities for older people to maintain financial control over their own well-being?“Age Concern has long lobbied successive governments to prohibit age discrimination in many areas, including the workplace.“A short time ago the Premier and the Minister of Finance made it clear that the OBA Government feels that the best social programme is a job. Why are seniors not included in the vision of an employment-rich Bermuda, as there are many seniors who cannot afford or do not wish to retire at the so-called retirement age of 65?”Government plans to table several amendments to the Human Rights Act when parliament reopens on May 17, including prohibition of sexual orientation discrimination and extending the definition of harassment to go beyond the workplace.Minister Scott indicated on Monday that pensions and Government contracts were among the areas that would need to be looked at carefully before prohibiting age discrimination in employment.“Age Concern has never formally been advised by the Government of any complications including age as a basis of discrimination with respect to the workplace,” said Age Concern director Claudette Fleming.Yesterday, Mr Scott referred to Age Concern’s own statement about Bermuda’s demographic trends in response to its concerns.“We do need a well thought-out strategy to address this issue, not a rushed approach,” the Minister said.Reaction to the amendments from the Island’s churches have been slow in coming. Some religious organisations have opposed the sexual orientation amendment in the past.Anglican church Bishop-elect Rev Nicholas Dill said his church was yet to discuss the issue.Bishop Robert Kurtz, of the Roman Catholic diocese, said his church was in favour of including sexual orientation in the Human Rights Act.“The Catholic church is certainly in favour of non-discrimination,” he said. “It is in the catechism of the Catholic church. It encourages Catholics not to discriminate on account of sexual orientation.”But he said the church does not endorse the gay lifestyle or same sex marriage.“Although we certainly support non-discrimination against a person due to their sexual orientation, the actions themselves fall into a different category — that would be the gay lifestyle or same sex marriage, which to the minds of many are tied to the same issue.”