§ Mr. Andrew TurnerTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether(a) his Department and (b) agencies for which it is responsible (i) have a set retirement age which applies to all or most personnel and (ii) have a maximum age beyond which applications for employment will not be considered; and what the age is in each case. [186091]
§ Mr. CaplinIn the Ministry of Defence and its Agencies over half of the civilian workforce has the option to retire any time between 60 and 65. The remainder, which encompasses most of those in management, professional and specialist grades, are normally required to retire at age 60. Extensions beyond normal retirement age are exceptional and for business reasons only, however, as detailed in the Civil Service Management Code, the maximum age at which staff must retire is 70.
There is no age limit set beyond which applications will not be considered. Applications for employment take account of whether the individual has the necessary competencies and skills required for the vacancy. The Department will also consider whether the successful applicant will provide a suitable return on the cost of employing and training the individual before they retire.