13/08/2004

Employers against raising retirement age: survey

Employers are standing up for the rights of older workers with nearly nine in 10 believing they shouldn't be forced to work past 65, according to new research.

The survey of HR professionals by Croner, one of the UK's leading providers of business information and advice, follows the CBI's recent recommendation to raise the retirement age from 65 to 70 by 2030, but 85% of those polled disagree.

The survey also found that 92% believe there are benefits to having an increasingly mature workforce in the UK.

The researchers said the results highlighted a shift in attitudes of employers towards older workers, who can often be undervalued and under appreciated in the workplace.

The study also warned that, while most employers are not intentionally ageist, when it comes to dismissing older workers they may still fall foul of unfair dismissal laws due to lack of understanding of employment legislation.

(gmcg)

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