The new reality: Brits move to abolish laws requiring retirement at 65

Workers should no longer be forced to retire at 65 and could carry on in their jobs into their eighties, Harriet Harman said before a reform of employment rights.

The Equalities Minister said that a change in the retirement law was vital to challenge the idea that people were “past it” when they reached 65.

Ms Harman will announce today a “fast-track” government review of the retirement age. Under her propsals, workers would not have to work beyond 65, but would have the option to do so. Employees would secure a legal right to a request to work part-time or from home.