Scrap forced retirement, say seven in 10 people

A new survey shows that 65% of the public or seven in 10 believe employers should not be allowed to force people to retire just because they have reached a certain age.

A new survey shows that 65% of the public or seven in 10 believe employers should not be allowed to force people to retire just because they have reached a certain age.

Currently both men and women are allowed to work until they are 65. Planned changes, announced in this week’s Emergency Budget will see the acceleration of the increase of the state pension age rise to 66.

According to Age UK, formerly Age Concern, however, this default retirement age forced tens of thousands of workers to retire in 2009 causing an estimated loss of £3.5bn. Michelle Mitchell, charity director of Age UK, called the default retirement age a ‘hugely unpopular law which is well past its sell-by date.

Commenting she said:  “Forcing people in later life out of the labour market when they want to work to save for their pensions and pay taxes is nonsense. It makes a mockery of the government’s plans to help people work longer.

“A clear commitment to scrapping forced retirement next April is needed to end speculation and confusion among employers and employees alike. It would show how the government was making ‘freedom and fairness’ a reality for many people in later life who are denied that opportunity.”

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