George Clarke, managing director, Heidelberg UK
I’d love to see the figures behind the claimed benefit to the economy. This seems to be typically simplistic stuff from politicians and economists. There are some employees who are ‘time-expired’ way before 65 in positions where employers need to bring in fresh blood. There are some at 65 who could work longer to the great benefit of the employer. And then we all have a duty to give opportunities to school/college leavers, but allowing people to stay on at 65 will reduce opportunities for the young. Similarly, there are some jobs that can work with job sharing and some that can’t.

Sam Neal, managing director, Geoff Neal Litho
If someone wishes to continue to work past the age of 65, then I think they should be allowed to do so. However, businesses should not be penalised if they do not want that person to work on, nor should the individual suffer financially if they themselves decide not to. There are jobs that suit older people rather than younger people, and vice versa, and therefore common sense should prevail. The Government and Equality and Human Rights Commission should not see this as a cost cutting exercise – there are far better ways of cutting costs and reducing unnecessary expenditure.