Pension schemes were given an extra two months to comply with new age discrimination rules on Friday after the industry and employers voiced concerns over the timetable for implementation.

Minister for Pensions Reform James Purnell said schemes would have until December 1 to adjust to age-discrimination rules, instead of October 1 when the Employment Equality (Age) Regulations 2006 come into force.

That will give schemes more time to comply with the new rules, which outlaw unjustified age discrimination in employment and vocational training, including pay and pensions.

In the intervening period, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will undertake an informal consultation to investigate whether any amendments are needed to provide more clarity for pension schemes and employers.

Purnell said: We have listened carefully to the concerns voiced by pension schemes and employers and decided to hold off on implementing the pensions aspects of the legislation to allow more time for the industry to get to grips with the changes.

We are committed to making sure any new regulations concerning pensions contribute towards the overall goal of encouraging more people to provide for their future.

Legal experts welcomed the move. Faith Dickson, a partner at Sacker & Partners, a specialist pensions law firm, said it was very welcome news for trustees and employers.

Pension schemes are necessarily age discriminatory, designed to provide benefits for people when they get older, so the age legislation has thrown up considerable uncertainties, she said.

Pension schemes were given an extra two months to comply with new age discrimination rules on Friday after the industry and employers voiced concerns over the timetable for implementation.

Minister for Pensions Reform James Purnell said schemes would have until December 1 to adjust to age discrimination rules, instead of October 1 when the Employment Equality (Age) Regulations 2006 come into force.

That will give schemes more time to comply with the new rules, which outlaw unjustified age discrimination in employment and vocational training, including pay and pensions.

In the intervening period, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will undertake an informal consultation to investigate whether any amendments are needed to provide more clarity for pension schemes and employers.

Purnell said: We have listened carefully to the concerns voiced by pension schemes and employers and decided to hold off on implementing the pensions aspects of the legislation to allow more time for the industry to get to grips with the changes.

We are committed to making sure any new regulations concerning pensions contribute towards the overall goal of encouraging more people to provide for their future.

Legal experts welcomed the move. Faith Dickson, a partner at Sacker & Partners, a specialist pensions law firm, said it was very welcome news for trustees and employers.

Pension schemes are necessarily age discriminatory, designed to provide benefits for people when they get older, so the age legislation has thrown up considerable uncertainties, she said.

Investment United kingdom