THOSE struggling to work long past their 60th birthday, never mind their 50th birthday, will find scant consolation from what s happening in local government. For that I m grateful to the good burghers of neighbouring South Holland District Council whose

THOSE struggling to work long past their 60th birthday, never mind their 50th birthday, will find scant consolation from what's happening in local government.

For that I'm grateful to the good burghers of neighbouring South Holland District Council whose flexible retirement policy is now being discussed.

It seems that the council can now exercise its discretion to allow individuals to retire at 50 from what is described as their "substantive post" so draw the benefits they have built up.

However, here's the rub, the council can continue to employ them, "at a lower grade and/or with reduced hours" until such time as they see fit, presumably up to the age of 65 if necessary.

So pension, fresh job with less hassle, and a choice of retirement date....if only the private sector could afford to be so generous.