Why forced retirement may be flawed policy

On Behalf of | Oct 31, 2016 | Workplace Discrimination

While used sparingly these days, mandatory retirement ages can have negative consequences for New York employees or others impacted by them. In Pennsylvania, voters are going to decide whether to let judges serve to age 75 as opposed to the current limit of age 70. To some, a mandatory retirement age is borderline discrimination that wouldn’t be tolerated if applied to any other characteristic of a worker.

According to a National Bureau of Economic Research report created in 2006, full retirement caused a 5 to 6 percent increase in illness. This was in addition to a 6 to 9 percent decrease in mental health abilities and a 15 to 16 percent decrease in mobility. Effects on workers were worse if they were pushed out, and it also puts them in a difficult situation if they want to apply for work elsewhere.

Those who want to work elsewhere may face potential age discrimination issues. A representative from the AARP claims that ageism still exists in the workplace, but as people live longer, they are also more productive as they age. It may mean that a person in his or her 70s today may be more capable of performing job duties than people in their 70s many years ago.

Those who believe that they were the victims of age discrimination in the workplace may wish to talk with an attorney who has employment law experience. An attorney can often review any electronic communications between a worker and the employer, as well as hiring records or any other evidence that may prove a link between a worker’s age and employment decisions. If discrimination was taking place, a worker may be entitled to damages including back pay plus interest.

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