Laws forcing people to retire at the age of 65 could be scrapped within a year.
Ministers announced yesterday they want to axe the compulsory retirement age as soon as possible.
They say recession and the soaring elderly population mean more people want to work longer.
Currently more than 1.3 million over 65s are still in a job. But the law allows bosses to sack anyone once they receive a state pension.
The Government originally pledged to look again at the retire-menage in 2011. The review has been brought forward to early next year, paving the way for a change by the end of 2010.
Advertisement – article continues below »Pensions minister Angela Eagle said the country had reached a “tipping point” with the number of pensioners in the UK overtaking the number of schoolchildren for the first time.
She said: “As the demographics change, it is sensible that we debate what works for business and individuals. We want to give older people flexible retirement options.”
The move was welcomed by unions and age discrimination campaigners. TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said: “It cannot be right an employer can sack someone simply for being too old.”
Pensioners could be issued with a “granny card” to make it easier to access library, bus and leisure services under plans revealed yesterday.
INSIDE SALFORD POLITICS 