Notes of an ILC-UK Dinner Debate on the subject of the Myths and Realities of the Older Worker.
On Tuesday 17th November 2009, ILC-UK invited a number of key people to a dinner debate (hosted by BT) to discuss the ‘Myths and Realities’ of the older worker.

The event came soon after the High Court had ruled it is legal for employers to force workers to retire at the age of 65. Newspaper reports of the case argued that the decision was “good news for employers” and that “for employers, there will be a huge sigh of relief”.

But in making the announcement the judge expressed a view that the Default Retirement Age (DRA) may not be appropriate and necessary. And the Government has committed to review in 2010 whether the DRA should continue.

Baroness Greengross chaired the event and Caroline Waters of BT welcomed attendees and introduced the debate. Charlie Massey (DWP) opened the discussion and presented the Government’s current thinking on older workers.

The notes represent some of the issues which emerged during the discussion.