NEWS & EVENTS

The High Court Case, which is being brought by two charities, (Age Concern and Help The Aged) argues that the Default Retirement Age (DRA) of 65, which was introduced by the UK Government in 2006 fails to live in with EU policies against age discrimination.

Speaking about the case,  Marie Evans , employment specialist with city based Roythornes  solicitors warned that the case could have dramatic consequences for the UK workforce:

This is a momentous case which could have a far reaching impact on all employers in the UK.  Ive no doubt that millions of employees who are approaching 65, but who want to continue to work are waiting anxiously for the result as if it goes in the charities favour, employees of that age will be protected by the law if they wish to continue working.  This will have implications for employers who may need to amend their contracts and documentation as well as rethink the way they organise their workforce.

It is thought that there are hundreds of Employment Tribunal cases on hold until the decision is announced, with the hope that the law will finally be clarified. 

 Marie continued:

If the case goes in the favour of the Charities, employers will no longer be able to enforce the retirement age of 65 on employees as this will be seen as age discrimination.  With increasingly better health and the current financial climate affecting many retirement plans I would expect many employees who would have been forced to retire to choose to stay on at work to maintain their income and keep active.

The case has been listed for 16th-20th July, with a judgment expected in the Autumn.