Finance Minister, Nigel Dodds has announced that the Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS) has removed its default age of retirement at age 65 for all staff.

This came into effect from 1 September 2008 and will give NICS staff a wider choice of when to retire to suit their own personal circumstances and, for management, the opportunity to avail of the retention of experienced staff.

Commenting on the decision Minister Dodds said: “This move shows the commitment of the Northern Ireland Civil Service to encourage and promote age diversity in its workforce. The removal of the default retirement age reflects the value the NICS places on the skills, experience and potential of all staff, regardless of age.”