BRAIN FOOD: Workplace rights, Veteran campaigners

Schroders is facing a multi-million-dollar lawsuit in New York from 56-year-old Sharon Haugh, former chair of its US operation. She claims she was sacked because British-based CEO Michael Dobson 'wanted someone younger' - a small taste of what to expect when the age discrimination laws are introduced to the UK in less than four years' time. In fact, legal developments are already anticipating a culture shift. At 67, John Rutherford was made redundant by clothing company Harvest Town Circle. Being over 65, he was barred from claiming unfair dismissal or redundancy pay. But he recently persuaded a tribunal that the age limit amounted to sex discrimination as it affected twice as many men as women. The Government, which tried to justify the legislation, have decided to appeal the decision. If upheld, it will open the floodgates to thousands of employment claims from staff working beyond retirement age.