Companies are set to be banned from enforcing a retirement age below 70.

Employers would also be stopped from stipulating age limits in job advertisements.

Would you stay in employment through your sixties if you had the chance? Have you been the victim of discrimination because of your age?

Thank you for your e-mails. This debate is now closed. The following comments reflect the balance of views we have received:

They push back the retirement age in the hopes that you will die before they have to pay retirement pensions. It's purely economics.
Paul, Tampa, FL. USA

I'm 68. After retiring at 65 I get called back each year for a few weeks to add my expertise to shutdowns and to other projects. I love it! They seem to appreciate it and age never enters into the equation at all levels of the organisation I go to.
Sam, uk

Presumably our wonderfully hard-working MPs will still be turning up for debates when they are in their late sixties?
Nige, England

SUGGEST A DEBATE This topic was suggested by Paul Rowlands, UK Are the new anti-ageism laws intended to liberate people so they can work longer, or enslave them and take away their hard-earned retirement. Send us your suggestions for Have Your Say debates

This is yet another despicable attempt on the government's part to infringe upon an employer's right to control their own businesses. Instead of making age discrimination unlawful, the government should instead repeal all existing anti-discrimination laws and thus make sure that every employer can exercise full control over the workplaces they own.
George Katsaris, England

If an employer doesn't want to employ anyone over 50, say, they don't have to stipulate an age limit in their advertisements. Since your CV will contain the date you left school or university it doesn't take a genius to work out roughly how old you are. These proposals will have no effect on the age discrimination which many of us feel when applying for jobs; it's simply the thin edge of the wedge of raising the retirement age (for those lucky enough to have a job) in order to reduce pension payments.
Bryan, UK

And when the law requires you to work until you are seventy, but no one wants to hire you when you are over forty, do you live on fresh air for thirty years? The experience older workers bring to getting the job done is not only desirable, it is essential. Too many firms are hiring only the under 40s for social reasons - and they wind up endlessly reinventing the wheel.
Dale, New Zealand

Commuting and inflexible working hours is what hinders most people's desire to continue working longer than necessary Oz, UK

If the government really wants people to work for longer they should be more creative. Commuting and inflexible working hours is what hinders most people's desire to continue working longer than necessary and no one has suggested encouraging business changes in that direction. Or is it just that big "Oh dear we spent all your contributions on that last lot" syndrome again...hmmm
Oz, UK

As the cliche has it, you're as old as you feel. You can be 50 and in need of a total rest, or 90 and buzzing. Why bother with a blanket retirement age, particularly in view of a pensions crisis. Let people retire when they want, subject only to possession of bodily capacity and their marbles! I'm 43 and self-employed. My pension is scheduled to kick in when I reach 60, but even in the unlikely event that it produces sufficient to live on in any meaningful way (unlike, say, Lord Irvine), I can't see any point in me stopping meaningful, absorbing and constructive activity unless and until my body dies on me. I will enjoy life far more if I can create intellectual stimulation in some form to counter the perpetual ennui yawning ahead. Retire? Never!
Andy Millward, UK

I hope I live that long! I will have no choice but to hope I stay fit and healthy as there are some of us that have "fallen through the cracks" and have no family or pension to rely on even though we have worked hard all our lives and run businesses that have employed many people, lets hope I find something to do for the next 20 years and I can put some money away and have some form of economic security. Starting again at 51 is not going to be easy.
Nick Green, Canada/UK

It is unfortunate that the media spin on this issue that I have seen has focused almost exclusively on the idea that this is about pensions. That may be part of the story, but it is a gross injustice to a long overdue idea to ignore the fact that this is about ending unfair discrimination. I am no New Labour supporter, but credit where credit is due.
Katherine, UK

I am 73 years young and never want to give up my job, or my independence! I work three days a week at my local supermarket and love every minute. Without the self-respect working gives me I would fade away.
Jean, UK

I don't want to work until I'm 50 let alone 70! What's the point of spending the majority of your life, bowing to the every whim of your employer? I'll retire as soon as I can financially get away with it. I wouldn't want to work til 70 then drop down dead a week later with a small fortune tucked away. Can't take it with you...
Dave, UK

It must be an individual's decision and not imposed by the state Andrew, UK

My sixties are too far off for me to comment upon my intentions. But my father is currently working beyond 65 and as far as I am aware has no great intentions to stop. As well as providing him with regular social contact it also provides him with a much needed feeling of worth and value. Would I be the same? Possibly, but it must be an individual's decision and not imposed by the state.
Andrew, UK

I woke up one day to find that I was too old for any job.
Rip Van Winkle, UK

Work until past 70? Dear God, no! If all life is is a mundane struggle to meet bills, with no time to enjoy it, what's the point?
Andrew Carter, UK

When I wish to retire and enjoy my remaining twilight years in comfort I will go abroad, burn my passport and re-enter Britain as an asylum seeker. Free home, health care and a very generous income!
Simon Eyre, UK

I was looking forward to retiring in my early fifties so that I would have time to enjoy doing the things I like before my body decides it's time to give up! Then Gordon Brown started dipping his grubby little mitts into my pension funds as well as screwing up our economy in general! Thanks for nothing "New Labour".
Haydn Holder, UK

I'm 32 and am sick of working long hours in front of a computer. I want to retire now and spend my time cooking and gardening, let alone work till I'm 70.
David Hilton, Hudds, UK

We all deserve the choice whether to work on or retire Ben Drake, York, UK

Outlawing age discrimination is long overdue. Older people should have the right to work if they want. But beware the sting in the tail! The government is also considering forcing public service workers to work until 70, supposedly to sort out the pensions crisis. Forcing people is not the same, and as a public service worker and trade unionist, I can say for sure that'll be resisted. We all deserve the choice whether to work on or retire.
Ben Drake, York, UK

Considering the response of the French population to the raising of pensionable age in France, the proposed ageism legislation in the UK seems to be absurd.
Dagmar, UK

Australia removed the compulsory retirement age quite some time ago and acknowledges the very real contribution of the over 60s to its economy. However, legislation will be needed in the UK to avoid discrimination. Personally, I'd like to be able to make the decision when I retire. Camaraderie at work can be a tonic in itself.
Jill Wallace, UK

Politicians really do think the public are stupid. This is not about ageism or freedom of choice, it is about lack of money in the pension pot and a shortage of skills. What's so great about work?
Mike Taylor, UK

A forward thinking proposal Nigel Hollingworth, UK

This is a forward thinking proposal. It will lay the framework for more flexible working options for many who choose a lifestyle where work can be balanced by relaxation and interest. This will benefit many whose daily life will improve from such a balance for much of their life.
Nigel Hollingworth, UK

With ever increasing productivity, why isn't the discussion about retiring earlier rather than later? There are ways to have a fulfilling life and even contribute to society without having to sell your time in exchange for pay until age 70.
John, USA

Keep working for as long as you're fit or until you want to retire.
D. Taylor, UK

My father is 70 and following a year of 'retirement' decided he was bored playing golf all day and has just left for Romania to continue his career as a civil engineer. He is lucky in that he was able to make a choice.
Matt, UK

It's not a question of if I want to or not, this country is a luxury to live in, therefore I will have to work until I drop!
Simon, UK

I expect to work into my 70s and live till I'm over a 100 Stuart, Norfolk, UK

What is all the fuss about? I'm 34. I expect to work into my 70s and live till I'm over a 100. I hope I'll be fortunate enough to have some improvement in flexible working conditions - maybe a 2-day week and opportunities to work from home while the grandchildren play on Playstation 10.
Stuart, Norfolk, UK

I'm 53. If I feel fit and still feel I have something to offer, I would work till I'm 70. As I managed a complete career change at the age of 52, I feel I'm not a victim of age discrimination. Providing you can get an interview for a job in the first place, it's your attitude, flexibility, personality and experience that count.
Helen Wyld, England

What jobs do you think you will be doing when you are 70? The manufacturing economy has been dead in this country for years. In the same way, our service economy is currently being exported to the country offering the lowest labour rates.
Tony, UK

Can the flexibility be extended to those of us would like to retire at 50? Mary Constantinides, London, UK

I can understand that the government would like to allow flexibility and that is a good thing. However, can the flexibility be extended to those of us would like to retire at 50? Going on until 70 is fine for those who wish to work until 70 but how about taking into consideration a lower age for retirement?
Mary Constantinides, London, UK

As a high-paid consultant in my mid 50's I have found I am trapped by golden handcuffs. I find jobs that I could do at the salary I want (and need to support my mortgage) but as soon as the hirers find out I am over 35 they don't want to know. I 'adjusted' my CV to leave off all my experience before 1986 and got lots of responses - but as soon as I walked in the door I was out again.
Brian, UK

Isn't it odd that pension firms have been making massive profits for decades yet when their incompetence and greed leads to problems, it's us who have to suffer and not them (or their shareholders). Capitalism at its best!!
Clark, Belgium

By the time I'm 70 (I'm 34 now), medicine will presumably have improved, so most of us should still have several years of freedom left even if we do retire later.
Frank, UK

Working in the US a few years ago, I was involved in interviewing staff, and noticed that the applications and the CVs I saw had no date of birth on them. On inquiring why, I was told it was an anti-discriminatory measure, designed to avoid ageism and give everyone the same chance. Seems like a nice idea to me.
Mike UK

At the age of 48 I am considered too old for many of the jobs I apply for. Elaine, UK

Employer made me retire at 65 from company, then has re-employed me through an agency. loss of medical insurance, reduction in wages and loss of other company benefits
N. Bigg, Scotland

Long overdue! After being made redundant, but with high qualifications, at 49 years old, I can't even get to the interview stage.
RD, UK

At the age of 48 I am considered too old for many of the jobs I apply for. With age comes patience, experience and you can "teach an old dog new tricks". Lots of employers will accept older people in to lower paid jobs but do not feel that they should be given training or any prospects for furthering their career. At the age of 48 I do not feel too old - my body might complain but my mind is still as active as ever.

I have employed several people over 55 and they are jewels in the crown Chander Hingorani, UK

I like working with an age spectrum from teenagers to older people because they all bring a different perspective to their jobs. At the moment the company I work for insists that you retire at 60 but some people wish to work after that age. If this bill goes through it will ensure that if people do wish to carry on working they can do so....
Elaine , UK

I'm in my 40s, and thinking about doing a postgraduate course next year to improve my prospects, so I welcome this.
Miland Joshi, UK

This may on the face of it look like an altruistic proposal by the government. However, whilst it may look like an attempt to counter ageism in employment, the motivation behind it seems more like a ploy to deflect criticism away from the current pensions crisis. Its been known for years that people are healthier and living longer, so why only do something about it now?
Howard McCann, UK

In principle, these measures are great... but I wonder how long the list of exceptions will have to be. For example, now that I'm 40, I've always regretted not joining the RAF. Will these proposals mean I can apply for fighter pilot training? If not, will I have recourse to the European Court of Human Rights?
Chris A, UK

You cannot match the experience, maturity or loyalty of older employees. I would prefer to employ someone aged 57 and get 7/8 years of service from him/her rather than employ someone 25 and get 3/4 years of service. I have employed several people over 55 and they are jewels in the crown.
Chander Hingorani, U.K.

Banning ageism: Good thing. Do it to gloss over longer working lives because someone can't manage national pensions: Bad thing.
David Harrison, UK

This affects women more than men Wendy McCormick, England

I am 45 years old and am an IT contractor. I have had experience of age discrimination since I turned 40. I do not put my age on my CV, but occasionally agencies will ask my date of birth and when I tell them their tone usually changes and I am not put forward for the job they are advertising, even though I must have more experience than other applicants. I feel this affects women more than men as I know a couple of male IT contractors and they do not seem to have the same problems. I think the proposals will help, but as I am a contractor I do not seem to be covered by a lot of employment law. I find I am asked questions at interviews that would not be asked of a permanent interviewee.
Wendy McCormick, England

I don't think that this has anything to do with discrimination, it's to do with the fact that the pension provisions in the future will be so poor, that everyone will have to keep working to 70 and beyond just to survive. So the government have made the way clear to allow this to happen through employment law.
Graham Fox, England

As I person with only seven years to go to the present retiring age I would welcome this change. However the government will make the whole procedure so complicated that it wouldn't work. On the plus side for the government is that they can create new quangos and another department to interpret and enforce the new laws.
Philip Ross, England

Its about time; I am 41 and have noticed that I am too old for some jobs already. What chance does a 50/60 year old have? If you travel to the States they employ staff of a much wider age range. I think we are missing out on the skill set of the older generation.
Christos Christodoulou, England

This isn't about ageism at all, its about the government trying to make up the massive shortfall in people's pensions by making people work longer David, UK

This move is long overdue. Age discrimination has been outlawed in the USA for decades. the ageing of the population means that employers must realise that encouraging an open and positive attitude to employing older workers is not only morally right but economically vital.
Stuart Walls, UK

I work in the US where it is illegal to ask someone their age and all CVs have no mention of age, marital status, religion etc. However, I don't see companies in my neck of the woods hiring "mature" candidates even when they have a wealth of technical and managerial experience. During an interview you can guess the person's age and the candidate has little recourse to the law (some excuse can always be made up about why a younger candidate is better).

If the UK Government is serious then this has to be backed up by tougher legislation than is being proposed. Personally I feel that older people have many valuable contributions to make to the workplace and that 60 or 65 is a totally artificial age at which to stop someone working.
Satnam Singh, (37 years old!) San Jose, California, USA

My experience of age discrimination comes from the other side of the coin. As a younger member of staff, despite equal position and years of service, I get paid significantly less than older members of staff (in their 40s/50s) the excuse my employer gives me is that they are older therefore have more financial obligations. I trust the government will ensure parity at this end of the scale too.
Paul, UK

My Dad is being forced out of employment on reaching 60. For most people it's not that they want to work past 60 it's that they need to and I think the government, which is a main employer and itself practises age discrimination, should recognise this and give people a choice, especially as the pension schemes have been so severely affected over the last few years. This legislation is way overdue.
Helen, United Kingdom

This isn't about ageism at all, its about the government trying to make up the massive shortfall in people's pensions by making people work longer so that they pay into the national purse for longer! All the government has done here is dress up their attempt to rectify their economic mismanagement by making it look like they are doing something for the older generation!
David, England

This legislation is long overdue! Why should someone be forced to retire at 65 when they may still have many more years of active working life? In fact there are probably millions of "pensioners" who are still working well into their 70's in this country... cleaners, shop assistants, school crossing wardens, employees in small factories etc. The "boy" who delivers my weekend newspaper is 81! And there is a major reason why such "oldies" can find employment (unlike some of their younger rivals) ....THEY'RE RELIABLE!
Norman Day, UK

I feel that this will not address the problem of being too old to do a job at 40+, it will mean that older people and students will be doing all the unsociable hours that are difficult to staff, whilst the rest of us could still be discriminated against in the workplace. I speak as a 46 year old teacher who is only 3 years into my career, but will probably lose out at some time to a younger person, if only for the reason that they will be cheaper to employ.

I think this is a way of taking the pressure off the government and its funding of pensions, and mean that they will not have to address the problems of shortfalls in mortgage payments. I do hope however that as these older workers will presumably contribute tax and national insurance that the ageism within the Health Service will also disappear.
Carys Austin, England

The government proposals cannot possibly work to the benefit of present or future job seekers. I live and work in France where there is considerable protection from economic redundancy for the over 50's and more for over-55s. The result of the 'protection' is that, in spite of a common retirement age of 60, employers who fear future redundancy situations are reluctant to take the risk of recruiting people approaching 50 for fear that their eventual early dismissal will be expensive.

No amount of legislation regarding job advertising can ever influence the decision of the hiring company regarding which candidate to select, before or after interview. Reasons for choice of candidate do not need to be given and can rarely be challenged unless an illegal expression of discrimination was made, or a company policy can be demonstrated.
Jerry Cavill, France

The banning of age discrimination will lead to an effective rise in the retirement age. This is unfair. Under the guise of 'modernisation' the government has ruined many professions - changed them out of all recognition. Many of us would like to get out now (50)because of the government's meddling, but now find that freedom has been moved further away. A real life sentence ....
Bob, UK

Legislation merely stopping the stipulation of age in advertisements will not help Paul, UK

Based on the continuing nosedive in pension funds, I think that many people will have no choice but to continue working. However legislation merely stopping the stipulation of age in advertisements will not help. Employers need to be persuaded that older employees are a benefit, not a liability. The only sure way to a good pension these days is to be a failed executive, collecting a pension top up on your way out of the door!
Paul B, UK

In a time where 40+ year old people have difficulties finding a job because they have "too much experience" what's the point?
Franziska, UK

The naivety in the 20 something generation is a major problem that needs to be resolved in a hurry Alex, UK

I'm only 24 but have already set up my pension under the presumption I would be working until I was at least 70. My peer group however seem to think they'll all be able to retire come 50 or so. The naivety in the 20 something generation is a major problem that needs to be resolved in a hurry, at least three quarters of my friends do not have a pension nor do they intend to get one (primarily because they don't understand what they are about and why they need one).
Alex, UK

I'm not even forty yet and would retire tomorrow if I could. However, if people fail to make provision for retirement in good times then they may find they need to work on, so I think it a good thing that companies can't make them retire too early. I work in IT in the City and the bank retains older (60+) staff on contract a few days a week to assist us with their wealth of business knowledge, coming in a couple of days a week on contract. It is certainly foolish to discriminate against older and more experienced staff when they know more, often are more reliable and hard-working and don't roll up late with hangovers.
Squiz, The City

I sincerely hope I won't be working at 70. There are so many things I want to do while I still have the energy to do them. I work to live not live to work. I have tried to make adequate provision for a pension at 60 although the goalposts do seem to keep moving. Who knows what the situation will be like by the time retirement comes. The age limit will probably have been raised to 80 !
Anne , UK

By the time I reach retirement age I will probably have no choice. Remember how the YTS was introduced with Norman Tebbit promising that it would be "voluntary"? How long did the "voluntary" element last? This is just a stalking horse for the eventual raising of the retirement age for everybody.
Ian, UK

I'm still a long way off, but intend to enjoy my retirement to the full, doing things that I've so far not had time for. So long as I am financially secure, I will retire earlier rather than later.
Chris, England

I do not think so. If I am unable to afford a comfortable retirement well before then, I will be giving what little I have to charity and living off state benefits.
Amanda, England