ACS

The European Court of Justice (ECJ) have heard a case to decide if it is legal for private UK firms to retire people on or after their 65th birthday as a matter of course.

Equality regulations implemented in 2006 prevent employers from treating older workers less favourably than younger colleagues in most situations, such as recruiting and training staff. However, the legislation allows employers to set a default mandatory retirement age of 65.

Campaigners in the UK, including Age Concern’s retirement arm, Heyday, who first brought the case to the High Court, say those provisions violate the European directive and must be scrapped.

Alisa Ogilvie, director of Heyday, said: "It is absurd to think that as soon as you turn 65, the knowledge and skills that you've built up over the years are no longer valued,'' she said. "Our right to work should not be based on our birth certificates, but on skills and motivation.''

The outcome of the case could have Europe-wide implications if the law is changed, meaning that Employees over age 65 who are forced to retire against their wishes may now be able to start claims in the employment tribunal.