Default retirement age to be scrapped in October 2011

Posted 28/07/2010

The government has announced that the default retirement age for men and women will be scrapped in October 2011.

Ministers have said the change in legislation – which currently permits employers to force staff out as soon as they turn 65 or 60 for women – should help to end the discrimination currently seen in UK workplaces.

Under the new measures, staff would be able to work into their 70s, although this may be different in some industries, for example, in factories and construction.

Experts believe scrapping the retirement age could lead to more employment tribunals raised by people who believe they were unfairly sacked due to their age.

Personnel organisations have also insisted it is a good thing, as it could increase productivity and make the most of the experience gained by older workers.

Employment relations minister Ed Davey commented: ‘With more and more people wanting to extend their working lives we should not stop them just because they have reached a particular age.’

Currently, employees have the right to ask if they can work past retirement age and the request must be considered by law, but employers are not obliged to grant it.