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Introduction of no mandatory retirement age Task

Background 

The Employment Equality (Age) regulations came into force on 1 October 2006 making it unlawful to discriminate in employment on the grounds of age unless it can be objectively justified.  The introduction of a no mandatory retirement age across the Civil Service has been agreed with the Council of Civil Service Unions (CCSU).  Departments have also been asked to promote the policy as god practice within their NDPBs.  The regulations do allow the use of a mandatory retirement age.  Government is due to review this provision in 2010.

General diversity

The Civil Service is committed to improving the delivery of public services for everyone in society. 

  • We need a workforce with the richest possible mix of talent and to build leadership capacity that uses the best of its existing and future talent.
  • By respecting and valuing the differences within our workforce, we can provide better policies and services, through reflecting the experiences and needs of the people we serve.
  • The launch in July 2008 of Promoting Equality, Valuing Diversity – a Strategy for the Civil Service is a visible symbol of our commitment to diversity.  Age is one of seven diversity strands included in the strategy.
  • The new strategy will help drive the mainstreaming of equality and diversity further into every aspect of our business.