Dealing With Retirement Without The DRA

The current phasing out of the Default Retirement Age (DRA) has left many employers unclear on where they stand when it comes to approaching the topic of retirement with their employees.

Contrary to what many believe, however, the changes in legislation do not mean that employers are not permitted to broach the subject of retirement with their employees. Although employers cannot force an employee to retire (unless this can be objectively justified), they can and should discuss what the future plans of their employees may be.

Ideally, line managers should conduct regular discussions with their employees concerning their career plans in the short, medium and long term. According to ACAS guidance provided in Working without the Default Retirement Age (available on their website), "these discussions do not have to follow exactly the same questions to all employees irrespective of where they are in their careers."