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Laws needed to ban forced retirement because of age

I share the sentiments expressed in “Singapore should discard concept of fixed retirement age” (March 2). This issue is crucial, given that Singapore has one of the fastest-greying populations in the world.

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Jeffrey Law Lee Beng

I share the sentiments expressed in “Singapore should discard concept of fixed retirement age” (March 2). This issue is crucial, given that Singapore has one of the fastest-greying populations in the world.

Abolishing the fixed retirement age would provide us with the opportunity to make our own choices about whether or when to retire.

Alas, most mandatory retirement policies are based on the ageist assumption that abilities decline with age.

While this may be so for jobs involving speed, physical strength and dexterity, there are areas where older workers, with their vast experience, can contribute important skills such as in decision-making and human relations.

Therefore, the suggestion of having periodic evaluation processes to determine the suitability and productivity of all workers in an organisation should be considered favourably.

It is perhaps time for legislation that makes it illegal to force anyone to retire because of age.

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