Staff Handbook - Policies and Procedures

RETIREMENT POLICY Introduction

There is no fixed retirement age. Employees are free to retire whenever they choose or to seek alternative roles or working patterns. For further information, see our flexible working policy. We are committed to not discriminating against employees because of age and follow the principles set out in our equal opportunities policy. What is retirement? Retirement is where someone leaves their job in order to give up work. Usually, retirement is something that happens when people get older and make plans to end their working lives to live off their savings, pensions or inheritance. That is not always the case, however usually what most people understand by the term is the situation where someone leaves their job to give up work. Because someone may carry out voluntary work or take a part time job after retirement does not necessarily prevent their being treated as having retired where they are giving up their main occupation. Purpose of this policy This policy provides a framework for workplace discussions so that you can express your preferences and expectations about retirement and we can plan for our business. This policy does not form part of your contract of employment and we may amend it from time to time. Your future plans You may want to discuss your future plans, as the need arises. For example, if your circumstances change, you may want to change to a different work pattern, or to stop work altogether. To help us plan for the business, it is helpful to know what your plans are. There is no obligation for us or you to hold workplace discussions about your future plans, but it may be mutually beneficial to do so. We will not make generalised assumptions regarding age. In the event that we think there are problems with your performance or ill-health, these will be dealt with in the usual way, through the performance review procedure or absence from work and sickness policy, both of which are set out in the staff handbook. If a workplace discussion takes place for the purposes described above, we will aim to make it as informal as possible. Workplace discussions We will not assume that you want to retire just because you are approaching a certain age, such as state pension age. If you tell us you are thinking of retiring, you are free to change your mind at any time until you have given notice to terminate your employment. Your employment or promotion prospects will not be prejudiced because you have said you may consider retirement or a change of your working pattern or role. If you are interested in moving to a more flexible working pattern or changing your role, we will confirm that this is what you want before any action is taken which could affect your employment. Notice of retirement If you decide to retire, please give us as much notice as possible. You should give at least the notice you are obliged to give under your contract of employment.

Retirement Policy: 24-06-24

Registered Office: Unit 2A Longrock Industrial Estate, Penzance, Cornwall. TR20 8HX Company Reg. No. 04124350 VAT Reg. No. 684598666 UTR No. 24386 09541