Minister of state for women and equality Harriet Harman QC MP says that  public policy and employment patterns need to change significantly to accommodate older people in the workforce.

Speaking at the Employers Forum on Age (EFA) annual conference yesterday, Harman said: “Society as a whole needs to acknowledge that the over 60s also have aspirations, and employers have to draw out the skills and talents of the individual to ensure good future prospects. 

“Above all, the UK needs to make more progress in challenging the status quo and deal with the old-fashioned attitudes that still exist around this age group.

With the review of the default retirement age being brought forward, Denise Keating, chief executive at the EFA, adds: “We’ve been campaigning for the removal of the default retirement age for a long time, and are obviously delighted that the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) announced that the government is bringing forward the review into this year, neatly demonstrating the need to address one of the most pressing problems for this generation – how to fund our longer lives.

“Ultimately, a fixed retirement age is fundamentally discriminatory, as age is not an indication of capability.  Recent research by McDonalds proved that mixed age teams, which include at least one person over 60, deliver improved business performance. Every employer should look to those companies – B&Q, Nationwide, JD Wetherspoon, BT and M&S to name but a few – that have successfully removed mandatory retirement ages, and follow suit.  A change to the rules is inevitable, and needs to happen as soon as possible.”