Default retirement age could be scrapped by October 2011

A consultation document issued today proposes a six-month timetable - from April to October next year - to phase out existing DRA regulations. Currently employers can make staff retire at 65 regardless of their circumstances but the government said this is set to change as people are living longer, healthier lives. Pensions minister Steve Webb said: "Many older people want to work after age 65 and have a wealth of skills and experience that are not being used. "We want to get rid of the default retirement age so that if they want to work they can do so. By spending longer in the wo...