§ Mr. WebbTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if she will list the retirement ages that apply to the employees of her Department and its agencies, including how many and which categories of employees are affected by each; and if she will make a statement on her Department's policy on flexible retirement. [32830]
§ Mrs. LiddellThe normal retirement practice age in the Scotland Office for staff outside the senior civil service is age 60. Retirement age policy is currently under review with colleagues in the Scottish Executive, from where most Scotland Office staff have been loaned. Pending the outcome of the review, staff may be retained beyond age 60 on a yearly basis, provided there is a post available and performance, conduct and attendance are satisfactory.
The Cabinet Office is responsible for setting the retirement age for all members of the senior civil service. This is age 60. 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.