Court ruling on forced retirement anticipated

Date: 30th June 2008

The European Union's court of justice is to begin examining a case relating to forced retirement, it has emerged.

With a number of age discrimination claims affected by how the court decides, the European Court of Justice is to examine whether or not an EU directive has been correctly implemented.

"It is absurd to think that as soon as you turn 65, the knowledge and skills that you’ve built up over the years are no longer valued," said Alisa Ogilvie, the director of Heyday, the retirement division of Age Concern established in 2006.

"Our right to work should not be based on our birth certificates, but on skills and motivation."

Under the terms of the directive, it is possible for employers to force individuals to retire at the age of 65.

It is hoped that the case will provide employers with clear guidance on the issue of forced retirement.

Approximately 25,000 individuals are forced into retirement per year.