"The retention of quality staff is essential. Around 800 police work in this relatively
small force, and our flexible approach means that some staff are taking up the option to continue
to work instead of taking retirement."
Det Inspector Steve Chandler, City of London Police
Many businesses are adopting flexible approaches to work and retirement and are finding it successful - they can work out an adaptable retirement plan that is beneficial to both the employee and the company. Some of the main benefits reported by employers are:
City of London Police are introducing a range of measures to allow valuable staff to stay in the force.
A variety of awareness-raising methods are being used to educate the workforce about age matters, including articles in the Force publication for staff, a poster campaign, a fact sheet and their 'Buddy Contact Scheme' where existing employees support new joiners, including older recruits.
The City of London force consider the retention of experienced staff to be essential, and a flexible approach means that some staff are taking up the option to continue to work instead of taking retirement, including officers aged 60-plus continuing to work on the front line.
"Our provisions in relation to retirement have enabled staff members to remain a part of the organisation, which helps us to attract and select quality and proven staff members with a wealth of experience and potential," comments Det Inspector Steve Chandler. "This has contributed to our staff having faith in the systems we have in place and improving staff morale."
For more information see the Case study.