ARTICLE · 08 FEBRUARY 2019

Increase In Compulsory Retirement Age To 70 For Certain Public Service Workers

Arthur Cox

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The Public Service Superannuation (Age of Retirement) Act 2018 was enacted on 26 December 2018.

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The Public Service Superannuation (Age of Retirement) Act 2018 was enacted on 26 December 2018. The 2018 Act provides for an increase to age 70 in the compulsory retirement age for the majority of public servants recruited before 1 April 2004.

As a result, an increased number of public servants will be entitled to work longer if they wish, the effects of the "pension income gap" will be significantly alleviated and Government policy in relation to supporting fuller working lives and pension reform will be advanced.

The change does not however fully consolidate the retirement ages of the difference cohorts within the public service.

Position Prior to 26 December 2018

The compulsory retirement age in the public service is generally determined by the date of recruitment of an individual:

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This article contains a general summary of developments and is not a complete or definitive statement of the law. Specific legal advice should be obtained where appropriate.

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