Why it makes good sense to raise the default retirement age

On 1 February 2010, the government will complete a major consultation on whether to scrap or raise the default retirement age (DRA) of 65 years for UK employees. The results of its review are expected this spring.

The consultation follows the Heyday court challenge to the Employment Equality (Age) Regulations 2006 last year, in which the government successfully defended the current DRA. In the decision the judge expressed misgivings about 65 being the right age for default retirement in the future.
 

It’s untenable to have a normal retirement age in public-sector schemes that is significantly different from the state retirement age

Brian Bailey, Director of pensions, West Midlands Pension Fund and member of High Pay Commission