AN organisation that supports people of retirement age is angry that employers can force staff to quit work at 65.

Heyday, part of Age Concern, says that despite recent age discrimination laws, compulsory retirement is still legal.

The group is taking legal action in a bid to force the Government to change the law, and hundreds of people in Banbury have signed a petition in protest against forced retirement.

Launched last month by Heyday, the petition seeks support from anyone who believes it is wrong that employers can force people out of work on age grounds.

TV presenter Esther Rantzen CBE has joined the campaign.

She said: "If you are 65 or over, your boss can tell you to go. Not on grounds of incompetence or bad behaviour, just because of age.

"Enforced retirement is a tremendous waste of talent, skill and wisdom. I hope people living and working in Banbury will feel strongly about everyone having the right to choose when they retire and will join me in supporting Heyday's campaign by signing this petition."

Copies of a "No to Forced Retirement" petition are being distributed across the area by Banbury Heyday organiser Gemma North and an on-line version is available on the Heyday website www.heyday.org.uk.

Last month Heyday was notified by the High Court that its legal action against the Government will receive an early hearing on Wednesday, December 6.

The judicial review is challenging the decision to permit Mandatory Retirement Ages (MRAs), which allows employers to force workers into retirement.

Mrs North said: "Heyday wants a fair deal for all local workers who reach the age of 65.

"We're not suggesting that employers should be compelled to employ people who aren't up to the job. There are laws already that cover bad workers. We're talking about good workers - people who have life experience and loyalty, and enjoy their job.

"We're hoping that the petition will gain support from local people of all ages and force the Government to respect the strength of feeling people have about the right to choose when to retire."

  • Heyday is a not-for-profit membership organisation, developed by Age Concern, for all people who are thinking about, planning for, or in retirement.