CBI COMMENT ON CHANGE TO DEFAULT RETIREMENT AGE REVIEW
The CBI commented today (Monday) on the Government’s intention to bring forward its review of the default retirement age by a year to 2010.
Katja Hall, the CBI’s Director of HR Policy, said:
“The Government said its review of the default retirement age would be in 2011, and now it has changed its mind. This is disappointing; especially at a time when so many businesses are under pressure.
“Having a default retirement age helps staff begin the process of deciding when it is right to retire, and helps firms plan ahead with more confidence.
“At the moment, anyone can ask to work beyond the age of 65, and their employer must consider their request. Our research shows 81 per cent of these requests are accepted; showing companies don’t want to lose good people, whatever their age.
“Some people can happily work in their existing job beyond the age of 65, but this is not possible for all occupations, and companies with small numbers of staff have particular problems adapting jobs to the needs of older workers.
“No-one has yet suggested a workable alternative to the default retirement age.”
13 July, 2009
Notes to Editors:The CBI is the UK's leading business organisation, speaking for some 240,000 businesses that together employ around a third of the private sector workforce. With offices across the UK as well as representation in Brussels, Washington, Beijing and Delhi the CBI communicates the British business voice around the world.
Media Contact:CBI Press Office on 020 7395 8239, out of hours pager 07623 977 854, or email press.office@cbi.org.uk