18/11/2009 - Keep 65 as retirement age says poll
The retirement age should remain at 65, leaving companies free to extend it if they choose to do so, according to a survey by the Engineering Employers Federation (EEF).
It reports that in the past year, half of all retirement-age employees had asked to continue working, and most such requests has been accepted.
Says EEF spokesman David Yeandle: "Manufacturers clearly want to retain a default retirement age that is linked to state pension age. This should be taken into account by the Government in its evidence-based review of the default retirement age of 65.
"Experience shows that the right for employees to request to continue working after 65 is enabling employers and employees to find mutually acceptable outcomes.
"Manufacturers believe that having a default retirement age enables them to make future plans for their workforce, particularly in relation to succession planning, with a greater degree of certainty."
Says Jerry Wright, of CPH Consulting: "Given the decline in pension and savings values in recent years, employees are now seeking the opportunity to extend their careers."
Copyright © Press Association 2009
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