Most HR management professionals (64%) believe the mandatory retirement age causes a loss of valuable knowledge and talent, according to a survey from TAEN – The Age and Employment Network, and the Employers Forum on Age.

And of those that had removed the mandatory retirement age, more than three quarters viewed it as a positive step.

Chris Ball, chief executive of TAEN,says:“The survey shows that the arguments against repeal of the national default retirement age (NDRA) do not correspond with reality. Most employers, even those that have mandatory retirement ages, say it is of no help in dealing with under-performing employees. Yet this was a major reason for the NDRA when the regulations were introduced.

“Similarly, while organisations with mandatory retirement ages say it helps their succession planning, those who have got rid of mandatory retirement say they get on fine without it.”