The Joint Committee on Enterprise, Trade and Employment in its report on the General Scheme of the Employment (Restriction of Certain Mandatory Retirement Ages) Bill 2024, said forced retirement may adversely affect individuals financial security.
The Committee accordingly:
1 Supports preventing firms from forcing employees to retire before the age at which they first become entitled to a State pension currently 66.
2 States workers should have the choice to continue working if they are able without the assumption that they must prove their ability.
3 Advises employers to engage in meaningful dialogue with employees regarding retirement plans and respect their preferences.
4 Recommends greater flexibility in work patterns to provide age-friendly workplaces to expand the labour market.
The enactment of this Bill will mean that employers will need to review their retirement policies and employment contracts.