Stein D, Rocco T S, Goldenetz K AHuman Resource Development Quarterly, (USA), Spring 2000 Vol 11 No 1.Start page: 61. No of pages: 20

Summarizes the popular conceptions of the older worker held by human resource professionals and the bias that exists against employing them. Presents a study of a US university to understand the career patterns of the older employees there, focusing on employees over the age of 55 (the age when eligibility for retirement begins). Uses structured interviews with 12 respondents (six men and six women aged between 55 and 68 and working in academic, administrative and classified civil service positions). Places the study into the context of the overall patterns of employment within the university, 12% of employees being aged over 55, which is similar to national US employment trends. Reports that none of the respondents felt discriminated against because of age, setting out their attitudes to remaining at work, retirement and the option of returning to work after retirement. Concludes that the experiences show that age is rewarded among the academic staff but devalued among the administrative and civil service classifications.

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Councils have been criticised in a Treasury report for failing to get the views of tenants when investing in social housing improvement schemes. ‘Putting the House in Order’, which has been produced by the Public Services Productivity Panel, highlights the crucial importance of tenant satisfaction to all social housing investment which amounts annually to around 4 billion pounds. The value of the stock depends on the capacity to attract tenants and to maintain the income stream.Researchers found that the direct contact with tenants, such as face to face interviews, was the most effective way to consult. Some 86% of councils make use of indirect consulting methods such as getting views from tenants associations.

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Limited Internet access, lack of skills by people in public services, low levels of confidence by consumers and inadequate funding are some of the main barriers to extending e-Government. This is the finding of a survey by MORI commissioned by BT and the Henley Centre.The report, e-Government: Ready or Not? compares for the first time, how ready government and consumers are to interact using existing and new technology. It also charts progress towards the e-Government targets set out in the Modernising Government white paper across education, health, crime and justice, central, local and regional government services.

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