Failed retirement age challenge 'a blow to working people'

A ruling by the High Court which saw a challenge to the UK’s default retirement age rejected has been described by the Trades Union Congress (TUC) as ’a blow’ to people who - for whatever reason - would like to work as they get older.

Brendan Barber, general secretary of the organisation, said the decision will have a negative impact on people who wish - or need - to continue working after they reach the age of 65.

’It will allow employers to go on using an arbitrary retirement age as an excuse to weed out staff without having any obligation to compensate them or use fair processes,’ he stated.

Mr Barber concluded by stating that the TUC is hopeful that the government will not view the High Court’s decision as an excuse to delay a review of the default retirement age.

The news follows comments made by Todd Groome, non-executive chairman of the Alternative Investment Management Association.

He told delegates at the Financial Services Authority’s Asset Management Sector conference that as the population ages, more people may look to fund their retirement through alternative investments.
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