CBI Reaction to ECJ ruling on UK's default retirement age

The CBI today (Thursday) commented on the European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruling that the UKís default retirement age could be considered legitimate.

John Cridland, the CBIís Deputy Director-General, said: ìTodayís decision by the European Court of Justice is a victory for common sense. Some people can happily work in their existing job beyond the age of 65, but this is not possible for all occupations.

ìThe current system where there is a default retirement age of 65, but people can request to carry on beyond this age, works well. It provides flexibility, and our research shows that 81 per cent of requests to work beyond 65 are accepted. Companies donít want to lose good people, whatever their age.

ìThe alternatives to a default retirement age simply wouldnít work. People age, and the law has to allow for this while enabling employers and employees to reach a practical outcome.

ìCompanies with small numbers of staff have particular problems adapting jobs to the needs of older workers.î