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EFA says plans to remove the DRA are ‘an incredible leap forward' for the UK

29 July 2010

New proposals set out today by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) signal the end of forced retirement.

Rachel Krys, Campaign Director of leading age campaigners, the Employers Forum on Age (EFA), commented:

"This is an incredible leap forward on employment practices and great news for individuals.  After years of campaigning, the law will finally reflect the fact that it is fundamentally discriminatory to force someone to retire just because they reach 65.

The Default Retirement Age, which was created in 2006, is a dated and unfair system, its removal is simply common sense.  With rising life expectancies, and people staying fitter for longer, it is archaic to assume that someone's age is an indicator of the contribution they can make to the workplace. 

This announcement is all about giving people choice as to when and how they retire.  We are delighted that individuals who want to carry on working past the age of traditional retirement, or indeed have to due to financial reasons, will be able to choose to do so.  More and more employers will be encouraged to offer a flexible approach to retirement, which will be good for the workplace, employers and employees.

Employers have nothing to fear from this change.  This is an outdated policy and the removal of forced retirement is an opportunity to put policies and processes in place which make the most of an age diverse workforce.  The EFA works with many companies who have removed the mandatory retirement age - B&Q, Nationwide, JD Wetherspoon, BT, The Co-operative and M&S to name but a few - and they are already reaping the benefits.

Age is not a proxy for ability.  This announcement which means the forced retirement will be a thing of the past after 1 October 2011 should be welcomed, people will no longer be forced out of a job they want or need just because of the number of candles on their birthday cake."

 

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Notes to editors:

Recent research by EFA amongst human resources professionals revealed that there are clear benefits to allowing people to work later than 65.  Organisations that have removed a mandatory retirement age found:

  • 76% considered it kept valued people in the organisation
  • 85% said it maintained valuable skills within the organisation
  • 52% believed it had improved morale among employees
  • 52% said it has provided positive role models for younger employees
  • 44% said that it had Improved their company's customer facing image

For more information, or to arrange an interview, please contact the following:

Employers Forum on Age

Rachel Krys T: 07799 625 233  E: rachel.krys@efa.org.uk


Lansons Communications

Chantal Heckford T: 0207 294 3630 E: chantalh@lansons.com

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