RETIREMENTINDUSTRY SAYS
Page 27
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
"Removing the default retirement age makes it more difficult to let people go. We would have preferred that this change did not happen. Many drivers have stayed on after 65 when that request has been agreed by their employer. Now employers will need to manage people better in terms of their capability and health and safety issues as they get older. Companies that retain a retirement age of 65 will have to objectively justify it."
Ruth Pott, director of employment affairs, Road Haulage Association
-We welcome a move to phase out the default retirement age. It is not right that employees lose their protection against arbitrary dismissal because of their age. People should have a choice about when they want to retire alongside new rights for flexible working and phased retirement. However, the nature of work within road haulage means that many people do not want, or are not physically capable, to continue working," James Bower, communications manager, United Road Transport Union -If the individual can do the job and wants to continue working, they should have that option. There may be a future skills shortage in logistics, particularly among drivers. As volumes rise and a large proportion of the driver workforce — of which 16to 24-year-olds make up just 6% — are nearing retirement age, we should be encouraging this continued work ethic among our experienced workforce. Driving an HGV is a physically demanding job. Companies should ensure that regular assessments for their driver workforce are carried out. These could be underpinned by training and awareness which could be part of the Driver CPC program. Age itself should not be a limiting factor." Nic Allen, general manager for training, Freight Transport Association
with employees challenging a decision to retire them. which will be a dismissal and open to challenge like any other dismissal.
Perhaps surprisingly, the previous government did not introduce a framework of flexible working, which might have allowed employees to request reduced houryso thk they could move gradually towards retirement. The new government, in its consultation document, however, has said that it will consider action on how employees and employers might be encouraged to discuss potential flexible working arrangements and options for flexible working with the aim of extending working lives. •