§ Mr. LawsTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to review the compulsory retirement age of 60 for some Ministry of Defence employees; and if he will make a statement. [90219]
§ Dr. Moonie[holding answer 15 January 2003]The Ministry of Defence, like other Government Departments, has recently completed a thorough review of its retirement policy for civilian staff in light of the Government's policy. Some two-thirds of the work force already have the option to work up to the age of 65. The review concluded that our current policy was consistent with departmental needs and that any change, including extending this option to those who currently have to retire at age 60, should be made through the implementation of the legislation on age discrimination that the Government are committed to introduce by 2006. We shall also have regard for the outcome of the consultation on greater flexibility for individuals to work beyond the present retirement age which the Government have initiated in the recently published Green Paper on Pensions.