Retirement FAQs

There is no fixed national retirement age for employees in Ireland. In general, employers use the employment contract to set out the mandatory company retirement age, (but they can also be set by an implied term through custom and practice) which is strictly subject to compliance with the Employment Equality Acts 1998-2022.

An employer may choose not to agree a retirement age with employees. However, it is recommended that a retirement age is agreed between employer and employee to allow both parties to mutually agree on an employee’s exit from the workforce, as this allows both parties certainty, for the employee to plan ahead for their future post-retirement and the employer to engage in essential workforce planning such as succession planning and talent attraction and retention.

SFA have prepared guidance from the frequently asked questions received from members on the use and enforcement of mandatory retirement ages which has become an increasingly difficult area to manage for employers. You can view the FAQ document here.

At the 2023 Ibec Employment Law Conference, “The age of change – keeping pace with increasing regulation of the employment relationship” will be discussed by expert speakers and will provide practical guidance and advice on these changes and more. This event is taking place on April 20, 2023 (09.30am – 16.30pm) and SFA members can avail of the ‘member rate’ for the event. More details on the event are available here. If you require any assistance in booking this event, please contact Elizabeth Bowen at elizabeth.bowen@sfa.ie