Kiwisaver 'discriminates' against older workers

Alasdair Thompson

The Government is being accused of breaching human rights and employment law with its Kiwisaver scheme.

The savings plan began yesterday but people aged 65 and over are not eligible to join.

Alasdair Thompson of the Employers and Manufacturers Association said the rules are grossly unfair, incredibly short-sighted and discriminatory.

He said older people are excluded from the $1,000 kick start, the $1040 annual tax credit and tax-free employer contributions.

He said older workers are valued for their experience and ability to train younger staff but their exclusion from the Kiwisaver scheme gives them no encouragement to keep working.

- NEWSTALK ZB