The timing of retirement will be a matter of individual choice and mutual agreement between the employer and the staff member. This is in line with the Human Rights Act 1993 which removes the upper limit on age discrimination from this date. Existing clauses in employment contracts containing reference to compulsory retirement based on age will not be enforced from 1 February 1999. Any contracts renegotiated after this date will be amended in line with the Human Rights Act. Many staff covered by University employment contracts become eligible for retirement leave or an equivalent lump sum gratuity.
Eligibility is typically a combination of service and age-related provisions.
The Human Rights Amendment Bill proposes to preserve age-linked retirement leave benefits for staff covered by existing written employment contracts. The Bill was to be enacted by 31 December 1998 but is still outstanding. It is expected to proceed early this year and I will keep you informed of further developments. In the meantime staff contemplating retirement should contact the HRM Division for further information in individual cases. It is suggested that staff members arrange for study leave applications to be considered by the Leave Committee at least 3 months before their planned departure.