SOME PEOPLE THINK THAT HAVING A SET RETIREMENT AGE (Example 65 YEARS) FOR EVERYBODY, REGARDLESS OF OCCUPATION, IS UNFAIR. THEY BELIEVE THAT A CERTAIN WORKERS DESERVE TO RETIRE AND RECEIVE A PENSION AT AN EARLIER AGE. DO YOU AGREE OR DISAGREE? WHICH TYPE OF WORKERS DO YOU THINK SHOULD BENEFIT FROM EARLY RETIREMENT?

In Sri Lanka, the normal retirement age is 55 years in general for all professions. Some argue that

this

is unfair to certain professions and they should be given an early retirement with acceptable compensation. In my opinion, there is a greater validity for

this

notion when it comes to certain occupations.

To begin

with, there are some occupations that involve a higher level of occupational hazards

such

as exposure to toxic substances, exposure to environments that are dangerous to work.

For example

, an individual who is working in cement production is exposing to poisonous dust for a long time which has a potential risk to end up as a cancer patient.

In addition

, an employee who is working with heavy machinery would vulnerable to face occupational damages at any time.

Secondly

, there are certain jobs that are ideal to perform by younger persons considering the factors

such

as physical abilities for the betterment in general.

For instance

, a younger person would become a better driver than a person who is relatively older. Offering an early retirement alone will not solve the matter, an acceptable pension is a must for these employees to spend their life ahead.

Although

they are capable of doing another

job

, it is doubtful that one would get another

job

which he/them can continue considering the skill gap.

For example

, a person who has worked in a factory may not be capable of doing a desk

job

. In conclusion, it is evident that the pension age should be vary based on the

job

type and extent it's been exposed to hazards.

Hence

, there is a collective responsibility to the government and the employers to look after these employees by giving a fair amount of compensation once they retire.