07 December 2006
A challenge to a law that allows employers to force workers into
retirement at 65 has been referred to the European Court of
Justice.
Anti-ageism campaigners asked the High Court to look into the
legality of mandatory retirement ages.
The action, launched by the Heyday organisation, has now been
referred to Europe for legal guidance.
The government says it acted properly in implementing European
rules allowing employers to retire people at 65.
Heyday, part of the National Council on Ageing, says the new
government regulations amount to "a de facto mandatory national
retirement age".
Its challenge to the law is being backed by Age Concern.
Lawyers for Heyday told the High Court the challenge to the
rules was especially important because of the rising number of
people working beyond 65 who could be forced into retirement.
Mr Justice Davis, Heyday's lawyers and the government agreed
that the case should be referred to Europe on a number of
issues.
They will be presented to the judge in January.
