§ Mr. SarwarTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if staff at the Benefits Agency aged 60 years or over are allowed to continue in employment on a year-to-year basis until the age of 65. [92203]
§ Angela EagleEmployment within the Benefits Agency is a matter for Peter Mathison, the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to my hon. Friend.
Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Mohammed Sarwar, dated 26 July 1999:
The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent question asking if staff in the Benefits Agency aged 60 or over are allowed to continue in employment on a year to year basis until the age of 65.Retirement age in the Department of Social Security was restored to age 60 for all staff with effect from 31 July 1998. However, the policy provides for retention of staff for business reasons for periods of 12 months at a time until the age of 65 for administrative grades and until 62 for junior managers. Middle managers and above are required to retire at age 60.The availability of the facility for retention beyond age 60 is reviewed annually and is dependent upon the projected staffing requirements; staff are currently able to be retained until 31 July 2000.I hope you find this reply helpful.