Updated
Updated · RTÉ News · Jun 29
Ireland Lets Eligible Workers Stay on Until 66, Tightening Rules on Forced Retirement
Updated
Updated · RTÉ News · Jun 29

Ireland Lets Eligible Workers Stay on Until 66, Tightening Rules on Forced Retirement

3 articles · Updated · RTÉ News · Jun 29

Summary

  • Ireland’s new retirement rights took effect on June 29, letting eligible employees stay in work past a contractual retirement age below the state pension age of 66.
  • Workers can reject retirement at 65 by formally notifying employers at least 3 months and no more than 12 months before their intended retirement date.
  • Employers that still want to enforce retirement must reply in writing within 1 month and meet a higher legal test, showing the decision serves a legitimate aim and is appropriate and necessary.
  • The change is aimed at closing the 1-year income gap faced by thousands forced to leave work before their state pension starts; it does not cover staff whose retirement age is already 66 or higher, or ages set by law.

Insights

As a new Irish law protects working until 66, what reasons can employers still use to enforce retirement without risking prison time?
With global retirement shortfalls growing, is one extra year of work enough to truly secure a person's financial future?
Does letting employees work longer solve a pension gap only to block promotions for the next generation of workers?