FIFE COUNCIL has denied allegations of ageism after elderly Fife polling clerks were sent P45s in the post ahead of this week's Holyrood elections.

Age Scotland has been contacted by older polling clerks who claim they've been told their services were no longer required by the local authority.

The charity contacted Fife Council following claims that those over the age of 75 would not be able to be polling clerks as they were “not as quick as they should be” and that the council were “looking for new people” to take up the role.

However, Fife Council says an “internal misunderstanding” resulted in a number of clerks being sent the P45s and has now apologised.

Linda Bissett, depute returning officer, said there were around 1,300 people on the council's database who had put themselves forward as polling staff, with 750 required for any Fife-wide election.

She explained: “This is not a typical employment arrangement and we make it very clear to all potential polling staff that there is no guarantee of an appointment.

"There are a number of factors to take into consideration when choosing staff for these positions.

“We must look at their availability 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.”

An Age Scotland spokesperson commented: “Age Scotland is really pleased that a number of people have got in touch to highlight this potential ageism and didn’t accept this all too prevalent form of discrimination.

“We hope that Fife Council has now rectified the situation and contacted all the people who have been sent P45s to allow them to continue to use their valued experience to run polling stations.”