Mixed reaction to retirement plans.

29/03/2011

Just a quarter of employers are in favour of moves that will see the default retirement age of 65 scrapped next month, latest research has revealed.

Only 24% agree with the new regulations, while an even smaller proportion (16%) have made changes to their business to accommodate the laws due to come into force on April 6, a study by law firm DWF found.

A wide range of employers were brought together to discuss the issue following the results of the study. This gave organisations the opportunity to talk about what impact the default retirement age change has on businesses.

However, those taking part in the forum took a different view to the employers questioned in the study, with the majority approving of the Government's proposals.

The view was that employers will deal with each employee on a case-by-case basis - a consensual retirement policy will be adopted, working with employees to help create realistic solutions for working beyond 65.

Kirsty Rogers, head of employment at DWF, said: "Employers might have real concerns about the default retirement age - but if they plan and prepare, the process of change can be well managed. Our forum recognised the abolition of the default retirement age is treated with a cautious optimism - employers might be worried about cost but they are embracing the opportunity for implementing flexible working practices."

Copyright Press Association 2011