Most manufacturers believe the default retirement age should be retained to keep talent in the sector, according to a survey from talent management solutions provider CPH, and EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation.

The poll of 500 employers found that 68% support the retention of the default retirement age of 65. Support was slightly higher among large and medium-sized companies.

The survey also shows that most employee requests to postpone retirement had been accepted by employers, indicating that right to request arrangements are working well and are causing employers to discuss future employment/retirement plans with their employees.

Elsewhere, the Chartered Institue of Personnel and Development (CIPD) employee outlook survey of 2,000 workers has found that the proportion of people aged 55 and above planning to work beyond the state pension age has jumped to 71%, from 40% two years ago.

Jerry Wright, joint managing director of CPH Consulting, says: “Given the decline in pension and savings values in recent years, employees are now seeking the opportunity to extend their careers. It is, therefore, encouraging that many manufacturers while being supportive of the default retirement age are also adopting a flexible approach to staff requests to continue working beyond that time.”

However, the talent pool has swelled in some sectors in manufacturing. Mike Bunce, director at PRS Polymer Recruitment Services, who recruits plastics technicians, plastics sales staff and production and maintenance engineers, told Recruiter: “In the plastics and rubber sector, there have been many closures of plants. There are quite a few people looking for work. We have also lost a lot of plastic moulding to the Far East. CVs are landing on companies’ desks every day because so many people are looking for work.”