Retirement age to be scrapped?
The watchdog claims older workers have a lot to offer firms
The Equality and Human Rights Commission has backed plans to stop forcing workers to retire at the age of 65.
Today (25th January), the body is launching a series of proposals which will address the challenges of an ageing workforce, including abolishing the default retirement age, extending the right to request flexible working to all and overhauling employer recruitment practices to prevent discrimination.
According to the watchdog, such measures would act to strengthen the UK's economy.
Baroness Margaret Prosser, deputy chairman of the commission, said: "Employers with a focus on recruiting and retaining older workers on flexible working arrangements are telling us it makes good business sense, allowing them to recruit and retain talent while meeting the needs of their customers."
She added that the UK has seen an exodus of skilled workers during the economic downturn and this problem is being further exacerbated by forcing many workers to retire at 65.
Research by the body highlighted that 24% of men and 64% of women say they plan to keep working beyond the state pension age.
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Earlier this month, equalities minister Harriet Harman recommended that the law be changed so people can work beyond 65.
She said the current retirement age is "arbitrary".
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