Countdown to Cultural Change

We're now only 4 weeks away from the massive change about to hit employers and employees. On 1st October 2011 the default retirement age of 65 will become unlawful without "objective justification", giving older workers the choice and the right to continue working into their late 60s and beyond if they are still performing effectively.

This has big implications for employers if they do not have robust performance management processes in place and have not considered the issues in relation to succession/workforce planning and potential responses from employees of all ages and the potential threat of age discrimination claims.

Employment Tribunal figures show a 31% increase in the number of age discrimination claims lodged indicating that the 2006 Age Regulations are now starting to bite.

It is very likely that as a result of the removal of the default retirement age the number of age discrimination claims will continue to rise.It is important that employers respond positively to the opportunities and challenges that the October 1st changes bring which will also provide benefits in retaining experienced and skilled workers for longer.