Gransnet talks politics

We've been busy chatting to politicians and radio stations in an effort to get gransnetters' questions and concerns heard. Flexible working has become the latest hot topic for the powers that be to pick over. There's been lots in the news about how it might affect mums and dads - but very little mention of what it might mean for grandparents.

It's crystal clear from our forums how utterly invaluable grandparents are when it comes to childcare - and that's before we factor in time spent caring for other relatives. In fact, a new report just published shows that two million UK grandparents are sacrificing their own work and careers to help with childcare alone.

We had an opportunity to ask Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg how the change in law could be beneficial for those wanting to work part time or flexible hours to care for grandchildren, elderly parents or other relatives.

CariGransnet and Nick Clegg

Cari: "Do you think people will be as sympathetic to requests from older people?"

Nick: "My understanding is that [to date] about 90% of people with caring responsibilities were granted flexible working."

We hear all the time <sigh> about how baby boomers have stolen their children's futures/house/opprtunities (oh how the list is endless) so it seemed like the perfect opportunity to ask him about that too.

Cari: "We hear allegations that older people will stay in jobs longer and take jobs from young people?"

Nick: "It just doesn't work like that. There isn't one cake of labour, and if some takes a slice, it doesn't mean it's not there for others. On the sandwich generation [looking after elderly parents as well as grandchildren], I'm in my late 40s and so many of us know people who are stretched looking after frail parents. It's very testing and challenging for so many people. So being able to go to a sensible employer and ask to work outside traditional office hours makes so much sense."

Of course, allegations such as these raise a bigger issue - which is plain old ageism. It’s been talked about at length here on Gransnet, especially in relation to the job market and furthering our careers.

View from the forums

“I've come up against ageism and it isn't as though everyone doesn't know if goes on - they do. I even had an advocate say to me that ageism is more rife than racism and sexism (in job applications)”. Hollydaze 

“I see it happening at DBH's school. He is coming up for 50 and next year will be the oldest teacher in his school. Every time an older teacher leaves, usually a Head of Department, the school employs someone in their mid twenties - because they are cheaper and supposedly have more energy to work longer hours. Experience and wisdom seems to count for nothing”. Janerowena

Gransnet meets Hillary

We went straight from grilling the Deputy Prime Minister to asking the (potential) future President of the USA about how she felt about ageism. Specifically, that many commentators in the United States have asked whether a grandmother could actually run the country (Hillary’s daughter Chelsea is having her first child this autumn).

HelenWJ asked, "After reading all the media fuss over whether a woman can be both President of the US and a grandmother, I can't believe that's what you really believe and I can't believe you would pass up becoming the first female POTUS. What is your true stance on this and will you be running? (Please do!)".

Here's what Hillary had to say:  

"I think she is a fantastic woman. It's time there was a female President, and Hilary is the one who could possibly achieve it."

And, of course, like any gran-to-be, Hillary knows exactly where to find the sagest advice on stepping into this exciting new role (President? Pah - it's ALL about being a gran). We're sure Hillary's already making some mental notes from The New Granny's Survival Guide. 

Gransnet wants to talk about #everydayageism

That’s all for now, but do watch out for our #everdayageism thread - because we want to know if you’ve experienced it, and what happened. If we talk about it more, maybe together, we can start challenging those opinions and let the value and wealth of experience of today’s older adults shine through.

Thanks

CariGransnet