BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) — The Barbados Employers Confederation (BEC) said Wednesday that it strongly believes a collaborative approach between Government and employers is essential as the island explores challenges and opportunities for developing effective policies that support an ageing workforce while fostering economic growth.

In August, Elder Affairs Minister Kirk Humphrey laid the National Policy on Ageing for 2023-2028 before Parliament, emphasising the urgent need to address the country’s swiftly ageing population.

The policy aims to “enable and promote healthy and active ageing as a way of life for all Barbadians” and “ensure that the fundamental rights and freedoms of older persons are fully recognised and vigorously defended”.

It covers key priority area, including community care, health services, financial security, elder abuse, the built environment, and disaster preparedness.

Last month, Labour Minister Colin Jordan warned that his ministry could take legal action against employers who continue exploitative practices and called on employers to treat older workers with dignity and humanity, criticising those who force retirement before the pensionable age of 67.

“That is unconscionable,” Jordan said, urging employers to consider the humanity of their workers even if written contracts stipulate retirement at age 65.

He pleaded with employers not to force employees to apply for reduced pensions early:

“Have at least a little bit of conscience. Express some level of humanity. Do not force persons who have toiled in your vineyards to apply to the National Insurance and Social Security Service for a reduced pension,” said Jordan.

The Employment Rights Tribunal, the BEC said, in a quick overview of the legislation in Barbados relating to retirement, “made it clear that there is not a one-size-fits-all structure for persons in the public sector, and certainly there is none governing the private sector”.

The BEC said that, for example, in the defence force, the retirement age is related to the length of service of the members of the force and may also relate to the rank held by an officer at a particular time.

“It is crucial to recognise that not all roles allow individuals to work effectively until the age of 65, far less the extended age of 67 for full pensionable benefits. At present, for certain manual jobs, for example, in the construction industry declining performance is noted from as early as age 60; therefore, working until 67 may not be possible for all employees,” the BEC said.

Considering that Barbados does not have a “legal” retirement age, parties are free to negotiate terms and conditions of employment around retirement, the BEC said, adding that “it is a legitimate expectation of business to have contractual terms upheld by the Ministry of Labour”.