Bosses wary of suggesting retirement for fear of ageism

♦ Retirement is becoming a dirty word in the workplace as employers are too afraid to raise it, a study has found.

Researchers at the University of Kent found that discrimination laws have led to a reluctance to discuss retirement plans with employees for fear of being accused of ageism.

In 2006 a new law made age discrimination illegal, and in 2011 forcing someone to retire at a particular age was also banned.

Prof Sarah Vickerstaff said a “defensive approach” was preventing employees from discussing options such as flexible working with their companies.

“This is highly dysfunctional for everybody, as it creates uncertainty on both sides,” Prof Vickerstaff said.

A report published by the academics as part of a project on older people in the workplace warned that there was “little evidence that organisations have begun to work through the implications of their ageing workforces”.