Forties People

People in 50-plus jobs should be able to work past the default retirement age, a government minister has stated.

According to pensions minister Angela Eagle, there is no reason for older people to stop working if they are still fit and well at the age of 65, reports MoneyMarketing.

"If they want to be able to [work longer], I do not see why they should not," she commented.

Ms Eagle said she does not agree with the existing "cliff-edge approach to retirement", as she does not believe this policy is sensible.

She confirmed that the government is currently looking at the evidence regarding the costs and benefits of the default retirement age.

However, she said no decision on whether or not it should be scrapped has yet been taken.

Last month, the Institute of Directors suggested that the existing retirement framework should be re-examined because people are living longer and healthier lives.

It stated that the default retirement age should be raised to 68 rather than scrapped completely.

Posted by Daniel Frost