Dont make me retire yet, says council employee (From Western Telegraph)

Dont make me retire yet, says council employee

PEMBROKESHIRE County Council insists its staff must retire at 65, even though its elected representatives are considered fit to serve in their 80s. The authority is refusing to budge on its retirement age policy, even though an employee approaching her 65th birthday is desperate to stay on.

Grace Newell runs the cafe at Pembroke Leisure Centre and loves her job so much she doesnt want to leave.

But leave she must says the county council, because on July 21st she celebrates her 65th birthday.

Grace insists that retirement is a luxury for the rich and, as a widow, she needs an income to top-up her pension.

She is represented on the county council by Councillor Viv Hay, sprightly and respected at a youthful 86.

Grace is not critical of octogenarian councillors but argues that employees should also have the choice of retaining their jobs.

I cant understand why I should have to give up work at 65. I love this job and if I was employed by a private company there would be an opportunity to stay on, says Grace, of St Teilos Road, Pembroke Dock.

There are all these councillors who are well into their 60s and they arent considered too old to do a job.

So keen is she to remain in employment that she is lining up a new job for when she must depart. I am not the putting-my-feet up type, she declares.

Her current employer is making no exceptions. The authority points out that the retirement age of employees is governed by national legislation while councillors are elected by the public.

It also says that in an area of high unemployment it is unfair to deny job opportunities to younger age groups.

Grace has been serving up sausage and chips at Pembroke Leisure Centre for 28 years. She views her customers as an extended family.

There are parents who come in now with their children who I remember serving chips to as children themselves, she says. I will be very sad to leave. I admit I moan like hell about it but I love every minute of this job!

CAPTION

Grace Newell: Retirement is a luxury for the rich.