We have a contractual retirement age of 65 and two different pension schemes. For a number of our current staff, they will not be entitled to a State pension until they are 68.

The issue of the 3 years between payment of occupational and state pensions is one which is being raised regularly. We are reluctant to change our contractual retirement age as this may create other issues for us, not least for those who will qualify for a State pension earlier.

Are other companies removing a contractual retirement age or implementing other measures? Is this situation likely to change?

This issue may affect many employers in Northern Ireland who continue to enforce a contractual retirement age. Due to changes in the State pension age employees may face inconsistency between their contractual pension age (usually 65) and the age at which the State pension becomes available.

Employers who choose to enforce contractual retirement ages where this issue arises risk facing possible claims for age discrimination. Some retiring workers may find themselves forced into bringing such claims where they have limited savings or company pension benefits to rely on pending receipt of a

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