Pictured above: Phill Dangerfield
Peak Workforce, a recruiter with its own mature workforce
initiative, speaks out about Default Retirement Age (DRA) abolition
regulations that could see local employers fall foul of the
law.
Although scheduled for abolition in October 2011, new guidelines
set out by the Government and ACAS could leave local employers
confused and even acting unlawfully if not adhered to. Although
previous guidance issued by ACAS was that the last date for
retirement dismissals would be 30th September 2011, the new
guidelines stipulate that employers hoping to use the DRA process
before it is abolished to dismiss an employee for the purpose of
retirement are still required to provide at least six months notice
to any individual whose 65th birthday falls on or before the 30th
September this year. The retirement can come into effect at any
time before April 5th 2012.
Peak Workforce Director, Phill Dangerfield commented: "The
recent guidelines reinforce the fact that employers need to be
focussing on the benefits of developing, rather than culling, a
mature workforce. By 2020, one third of the UK's workforce will be
over 50 years old and with this increased maturity comes many
benefits for employers, including enhanced experience and
reliability". Co Director, Luca Angarano added: "Employers hoping
to release older staff prior to the abolishment of the DRA really
need to consider the implications of these new guidelines".
Peak Workforce is leading the way in light of the Equality Act
2010, which protects workers against discrimination on the grounds
of age. The company's Forty9ers scheme promotes the benefits of
employing mature, reliable and experienced workers. It also aims to
educate employers on how to avoid ending up on the wrong side of
the law due to age discrimination during the recruitment and
employment processes. The recent changes to the DRA abolition
guidelines fall within this remit.
Whether you are a mature worker, or whether you represent a
company that is unsure how the new DRA abolition guidelines affect
you and your staff, Peak Workforce can advise you on the best
course of action to enable you to act lawfully, ethically and to
maintain a satisfied, mature workforce.