Labour ‘planning to end compulsory retirement’

Posted on: 13.01.2010    19:02:42

The government has signalled that it will change the law which enables companies to withdraw employment when workers are 65 regardless of whether the member of staff wants to retire.

According to Labour deputy leader Harriet Harman, a “massive policy change” is in the works, as she considers the 65 retirement age to be “arbitrary”.

Charlie Mullins, managing director of Pimlico Plumbers, told HR Magazine that the current law is “nothing more than discrimination” anyway and should be scrapped.

“Older people should be encouraged to continue working as long as they are capable. If they can’t afford to retire, why should they be forced to struggle when they still have the ability and drive to get to work?” he said.

The move comes after data released by the Trades Union Congress revealed that one in five young people cannot get a job at the moment, with many university leavers finding that older workers with experience are being favoured for roles.

 

Author: Chris Slay

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