Ageism in the workplace has been called unacceptable in a speech by the general secretary of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) Brendan Barber.
Speaking at the annual Life Academy lecture, Mr Barber referred to Sir Ming Campbell's recent departure from the Liberal Democrats.
He noted that a quarter of managers admitted to discriminating against an employee on the basis of age, which he described as "a terrible waste of talent".
"Older workers are an invaluable source of experience, expertise and crucially - in an ageing society - of market intelligence," he said.
Mr Barber he added: "No organisation will succeed over the longer term unless it nurtures the talents, knowledge and potential of all its workforce."
Furthermore, Mr Barber stated that there is a need to ensure a work/life balance is attained by all employees, which is why the TUC is calling for flexible working and affordable childcare.
The TUC recently commended the government over plans to extend its apprenticeship programmes.
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