Heyday challenge to default retirement age fails

The ruling is the result of a test case - brought by Age Concern and Help the Aged - on the legality of the default retirement age in July. Mr Justice Blake decided the default retirement age introduced by the Government in 2006 did comply with an EC Directive against age discrimination. He indicated that an exempt retirement age at 65 was lawful back in 2006 when it was introduced, due to the prevailing circumstances and evidence available at the time. However, he did say there was a "compelling case" for a change in the law - and noted the law would not be likely to be lawful if...