New regulations are to come into force on 1st October 2006 to ensure that over 65s get the same rights to unfair dismissal and redundancy payments as younger workers by:-
• removing the current upper age limit for unfair dismissal and redundancy rights,
• banning all retirement ages below 65 except where objectively justified and
• banning age discrimination in terms of recruitment, promotion and training.
The regulations will introduce a duty for employers to consider a request of an employee to work beyond retirement age. Employers will further be expected to provide written notification to employees at least 6 months prior to their retirement date. Employers need to start preparing for these changes.