United Kingdom: Survey Finds Increase in Forced Retirements at Age 65

A survey conducted by DNS/BMRB for Age Concern and Help the Aged suggests that the number of people aged 65-plus forced to retire during 2009 increased to more than 100‚000, a figure four times higher than the number the charity feared would be hit when the Default Retirement Age was introduced in 2006. According to the poll of people aged 60 to 70, 24% knew a friend or colleague who had been made to retire at or after 65.

Michelle Mitchell, a director at Age Concern and Help the Aged, said: “Our survey clearly shows the use of forced retirement has spiralled out of control, offering some employers a low-cost shortcut to shed jobs during the recession."

Source: AgeUK News Release (February 25, 2010)