Made to Retire?

The most common argument raised for the need to retire an individual is health and safety. However, when considered properly there is rarely any real foundation to this. An employee is unlikely to suddenly become a health and safety risk overnight, unless you are throwing them a party and lighting a lot of candles. When looked at more closely what is really meant is that there is a belief that they are no longer capable. People age differently and you could have someone working at age 65 who is much more capable than their younger colleagues. Don’t make assumptions that people under 65 are risk free and people over 65 are walking hazards. Currently, to retire an employee at the age of 65, companies need to follow the statutory retirement procedure. This requires you to give between 6 to 12 months written notice of the fact that you intend to retire them, the date on which retirement will take place and their right to request to continue working beyond that date.

If an employee wants to continue working beyond retirement then they must make a formal written request to do so, stating if they wish to continue working indefinitely, for a fixed period or until a set date. This request must be made within 3 to 6 months of the intended retirement date.