Frank O'Donnell

 Alistair Darling has promised to review the default retirement age by either scrapping it or offering greater flexibility to those over 65.

The government had previously stated that it had no plans to scrap forced retirement at age 65, but comments from deputy Labour leader Harriet Harman re-ignited the debate and the party pledged a review.

While many keep working beyond the state retirement age it allows employers to end a worker’s employment when they reach 65. However, many older people need to work beyond 65 due to insufficient pension funds.