Update
I've received a very apologetic email from senior management at Jetgo. They have assured me that the matter has been taken most seriously and that the content of the emails I received was never official company policy. I was offered a chance to re-apply, and assured of a "fair hearing" but I have declined.
I want to say thank-you for all the fantastic support I've received here on Pprune.
The issue of ageing and finding yourself slowly entering a world of diminishing opportunities is a very sensitive one. But I guess that's life and we all have to face it, but it can be very frustrating when you feel you are doing the job as well as ever. I hope employers can appreciate that the older ones still have a lot to contribute, experience to pass on, and we aren't just hours building and ready to run off to the majors at the first opportunity. - Enough said, am putting away the soap box.