The UK government has launched a consultation process regarding the abolishment of the current retirement age in Britain. The proposal will result in the default retirement age of 65 being phased out by the end of 2011. This move has been welcomed by numerous activists against ageism, with Age UK leading the campaign to scrap the default retirement age.
Age UK's Director expressed the organisation's delight with the news, outlining it as 'landmark' for the UK society at large and welcoming the setting of a "clear date for the abolition of this arbitrary and unfair law". The economic benefits of this decision were also pointed to, with the Director of the charity outlining that the "public finances will receive a boost from more people paying taxes for longer".
To view the consultation document "Phasing out the Default Retirement Age" July 2010 please see attached.
Age UK (Age Concern England) had previously brought a case to the European Court of Justice (ECJ) challenging the lawfulness of permitting UK employers to require employees to retire upon reaching the age of 65. The ECJ found that in principle this could be objectively justified, so long as a legitimate social policy was identified and the measures in place were appropriate and necessary.
To view a summary of the ECJ judgment, please follow this link.