§ Mr. WebbTo ask the President of the Council if he will list the retirement ages that apply to the employees of his Department and its agencies, including how many and which categories of employees are affected by each; and if he will make a statement on his Department's policy on flexible retirement. [32818]
§ Mr. Robin CookThe Cabinet Office is responsible for setting the retirement age for all members of the Senior Civil Service. This is age 60. Three members of my Department fall into this category. However, Heads of Departments and Agency Chief Executives have flexibility to retain members of the Senior Civil Service beyond age 60 if they judge it in the public interest and they are satisfied about the fitness and efficiency of the individual to carry out his or her duties.
For staff in my Department below the Senior Civil Service, the normal retirement age is 60. Nineteen members of my Department fall into this category. Subject to departmental needs and the continued health and efficiency of the individual concerned, staff may be allowed to continue working to a maximum age of 65.