Civil Service removes default age of retirement

Finance Minister, Nigel Dodds has announced that the Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS) has removed its default age of retirement at age 65 for all staff.

This came into effect from 1 September 2008 and will give NICS staff a wider choice of when to retire to suit their own personal circumstances and, for management, the opportunity to avail of the retention of experienced staff.

Commenting on the decision Minister Dodds said: “This move shows the commitment of the Northern Ireland Civil Service to encourage and promote age diversity in its workforce. The removal of the default retirement age reflects the value the NICS places on the skills, experience and potential of all staff, regardless of age.”

Notes to Editors:

1. The Employment Equality (Age) Regulations (NI) 2006 introduced a new right for employees to request to work beyond 65 (although it was possible for employers to reject such requests without necessarily giving a reason for the refusal).
2. Since October 2006, NICS staff have been required to make a formal request at age 65 to continue working. All such requests were approved and the NICS currently employs a small number of staff over the age of 65.
3. The new arrangements mean that staff will no longer have to submit a formal application to work on after age 65.
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