Fife Council has been forced to deny allegations of ageism ahead of this week’s Scottish Parliament elections after experienced polling clerks were told their services would no longer be required.
With polling day looming on Thursday, a number of older people who have been involved in the running of elections for many years have contacted independent charity Age Scotland to complain about their treatment after suddenly being issued with P45s in the post.
Some have claimed they were told that no-one over the age of 75 would no longer be able to be a polling clerk as they were “not as quick as they should be”.
The issue has left Burntisland woman Ann Robertson, 71, incensed after she was told her duties were being dispensed with.
Having been involved with elections in various parts of Fife for 40 years, Mrs Robertson said she decided to contact Silver Line Scotland – a dedicated hotline providing support for older people – as she knew of other people who have also been affected.
“It was quite a shock,” she told The Courier.
“I’ve been doing this work for nearly 40 years so to be told that you can’t do it anymore…I just felt quite hurt.
“I was told that everyone over 75 would no longer be able to do the job but if that’s the case then why was I given a P45 at the age of 71?
“I was then told the council had made a mistake and that we would get a letter returning us to the list, but it’s been two or three weeks now and I haven’t had anything.
“I’m annoyed at how we’ve been treated after so many years of service.”
Age Scotland said it was investigating and revealed it had also been contacted by a former council employee from Kinghorn who said she knew of at least three other people this has happened to – including one lady who has been a polling clerk for 50 years.
Linda Bissett, depute returning officer at Fife Council, said there were around 1,300 people on the authority’s database who have put themselves forward to work as polling staff, with 750 people normally needed.
And she added: “There are a number of factors to take into consideration when choosing staff for these positions.
“We must look at their availabllity and willingness to work at any of our stations across Fife.
“We also consider any previous experience and the suitability of individuals to carry out the role.
“There is also a requirement to consider succession planning in order to ensure that we have an adequate number of people with the necessary skills and experience for the future.
“Unfortunately due to an internal misunderstanding this year, a number of people on our database were mistakenly sent a P45.
“The mistake was compounded when they were then given inaccurate information when they called to enquire about this.
“It was never our intention to act so discourteously towards people who have given such professional and loyal service over many years.
“I apologise most sincerely for the way this matter has been handled.”
