The Government is calling for employers and individuals to submit evidence on how the default retirement age works in practice.

Ministers are asking for evidence on the operation of the default retirement age in practice, the reasons businesses use mandatory retirement ages and the impact on businesses, individuals and the economy of raising or removing the default retirement age

The Government is also asking for experience of businesses operating without a default retirement age and how costs of raising or removing the default retirement age be mitigated and benefits realised.

Minister for pensions and the ageing society Angela Eagle said:? "As people live and work for longer, it is sensible that we have the debate on what works for business and individuals. The laws around employment and retirement need to reflect changes in economic and social circumstances.

"That is why earlier this year we announced we were bringing the review of the default retirement age forward to 2010. Today we are asking for evidence to be submitted by 1st February to allow that to happen."