Jon Heuvel, who heads Penningtons' employment group, was a guest speaker on Radio 4's lunchtime
You and Yours programme on Tuesday 3 August. The theme of the hour long show was a discussion about the government's proposals to phase out the current default retirement age, and how this might impact on both employers and employees.
Jon was invited to comment on issues as an employment law expert while listeners rang in and emailed the show with their personal thoughts and feelings on the topic.
The government has announced plans to scrap the default retirement age of 65 from October 2011. This could have a significant effect on businesses. The proposals (which are currently under consultation) provide that no forced retirement notices can be issued from 6 April 2011. It is also suggested that in conjunction with these plans, the normal pension age will rise to 66 (to take effect no sooner than 2016 for men and 2020 for women) and in circumstances where an individual works beyond the age of 65, they will be entitled to draw a slightly larger pension when they eventually retire.
Click
here to listen to the
You and Yours discussion on cutting the default retirement age.
Further information on this topic can be found in our
August Employment update.