Default retirement age to be axed next year

The default retirement age (DRA) is to be axed by the government next year, bringing an end to forced retirement of staff at the age of 65, it has been announced.

The coalition government had already committed to removing the DRA, but have now unveiled the timetable for doing so. Employers will not be able to issue retirement notices after April next year, with the result that the last retirements of this kind will be in October 2011. Starting this week, there will be a consultation with business running until October 24th to explore the guidance needed for employers and any transition arrangements that will need to be put in place.