Government responds in age court case

The government has filed its response to the High Court over claims that the forthcoming age discrimination legislation contravenes European law.

As part of the legislation’s mandatory retirement age clause, which comes into effect in October, staff will have a right to request to work beyond the age of 65, but employers will not have to give a reason for refusal.

Last month, the Heyday Group, part of Age Concern, submitted an application to the High Court claiming that this contravenes European equal rights legislation, and that employers should have to give a reason for refusal.

A spokeswoman for the Heyday Group told Personnel Today: “The government clearly believes it doesn’t have a case to answer, but we believe it does.”

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A decision on the case is due later this month.

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