Delay on DRA 'backward looking and unhelpful'

Delay on DRA 'backward looking and unhelpful', say TAEN and Age UK

Responding to comments made by the CBI that the Government needs to rethink how it plans to scrap the Default Retirement Age, Chris Ball - Chief Executive of TAEN - The Age and Employment Network and Michelle Mitchell, Charity Director of Age UK, say:

'The CBI's attempt to reopen the issue of the Default Retirement Age is unhelpful and backward-looking. The simple fact is that this is a wasteful provision that forces people to stop working when they are ready and able to continue. Moreover, most employers have shown that they don't really need it.

'The CBI's concerns about the diminishing work capacity of people doing heavy manual work is sometimes valid but it is a mistake to imagine that the only answer is in compelling people to leave the workplace when there are other jobs they could well do. Very often, they are the people who need to work longer because they don't have sufficient savings or pension arrangements.

'It is particularly important that employers and Government address this challenge of supporting people to work longer in practical ways, by encouraging retraining and redirecting careers, for example. The sensible employer who values the skills and talents of older workers will be looking for ways of keeping these employees by making adjustments to their work and working conditions.

'Keeping an unfair and outdated legislation in place for one more year is not the answer; swift action by the Government to provide businesses with the support they need is. There are many countries which manage perfectly well without a legal right to retire people, so why is the UK different?'

- ENDS -

Notes to Editors

• TAEN has comprehensive briefing materials on older workers and the recession, including case studies, available on request.
• TAEN spokespeople are available for interview on the number above or through Alex Goldup T. 0207 592 3106 M. 07791 765 915 or Mark Smith.
  T. 020 7592 1982 M. 07590 041 301
• TAEN - The Age and Employment Network works to promote an effective job market that serves the needs of people in mid and later life, employers and the economy. TAEN is a network organisation.  Its members include a wide range of organisations from across the labour market, including employers, professional bodies, unions and many others. TAEN informs and advocates for effective age management policies at all levels and is an important source of information on everything relating to age and employment
• Age UK works in partnership with Age Scotland, Age Cymru and Age NI. For media enquiries relating to Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland please contact the appropriate national office:.Age Scotland on 0131 668 8055, Age Cymru on 029 2043 1562 and Age NI on 028 9024 5729.

Media contacts

Chris Ball
Tel: 020 7843 1591
Mob: 07768 693938

Keith Frost
Tel: 020 7843 1594
Mob: 0776 306 580