The Government announced this week that it intends to scrap compulsory retirement at 65.

Predictably, the media is full of articles about the proposed scrapping of the default retirement age. Some reports are in favour, others look at the potential problems that might occur. All are worthy of a read. The proposals are important for everyone as they might potentially impact upon any current retirement planning in place.



However, it is important to note there is an element of doubt about the whether the proposals would actually be workable. The recently settled case of Seldon v Clarkson Wright and Jakes illustrates some of the reasons why. It centres on the principles of age discrimination and whether this can be overridden by employment and contract law. This case was decided in favour of the partners of the firm, implying anti-age discrimination  rules can be overridden by employment contracts. See the article on the case in the Solicitor’s Journal, which is both topical and very relevant.