§ Mr. Stanbrookasked the Minister for the Civil Service what action he is taking to prevent the loss by the Civil Service of experienced and skilled manpower resulting from provisions for compulsory retirement on the ground of age.
§ Mr. Charles R. MorrisIn the Civil Service there is a minimum retirement age of 60, at which time an officer may retire at his or her own wish or be retired at the instigation of the employing Department. Staff who are fit, efficient and wish to continue working, and for whom there are posts available, may be retained up to age 65 at the discretion of the head of each Department. As part of the Government's policy to reduce national unemployment, rules were introduced last year which require all civil servants to retire not later than age 65. Exceptions to this policy may be made to meet the overriding needs of the service, and staff may be retained until an appropriate replacement is available. The Civil Service retirement policy is sufficiently flexible to allow Departments to maintain continuity of experience and skills.