Thursday 5 March 2009

EU backs forced retirement at 65

Appalling news this morning as the European Court of Justice ruled that the UK set-up, where people can be forced to retire at 65, is not a breach of EU legislation – as long as it had ‘a legitimate aim related to employment and social policy’. Age Concern, the charity that brought the case, arguing that it was illegal to dismiss people purely on age grounds, now has to rely on the UK High Court ruling against it. At a time when people actually want to keep working beyond 65 for financial reasons, and rising life expectancy is increasing the cost of supporting pensioners, surely something has to give?
Many of us are working to overthrow this absurd and unjust law including the two main opposition parties. Let us see if this Government will bend to pressure on this vital issue.

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