HC Deb 28 July 2000 vol 354 cc1089-90W
Mr. Fearn

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the practice of employers in respect of compulsory early retirement. [132430]

Mr. Alan Johnson

Retirement ages are a matter for negotiation and agreement between employers and employees (or their representatives). It is for employers to decide whether dismissal in advance of normal retirement age may be necessary in any particular case. Subject to the necessary qualifying service, employees who believe they have been dismissed unfairly can complain to an employment tribunal.