GSE 05-26 Update on Retirement Policy and Retirement Extension Requests
16/July/2026
Description
Further to our circular of 24th June 2026 regarding the commencement of the Employment (Contractual Retirement Ages) Act 2025 and the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) Code of Practice on Longer Working, the CWU has engaged with eir to seek clarity on how the company intends to apply the new framework in practice.
As a result of this engagement, we can confirm that an updated retirement policy is now in effect within eir.
As previously outlined, neither the legislation nor the WRC Code of Practice on Longer Working creates an automatic entitlement for employees to remain in employment beyond their contractual retirement age. Requests to continue working beyond retirement age will continue to be considered on a case-by-case basis, with the company retaining the right to refuse such requests where it considers it appropriate to do so.
However, the CWU understands that, under the updated policy, eir will be more amenable to granting retirement extensions than may previously have been the case with each application being assessed on their individual merits.
Members who are approaching retirement age should read the policy and those who wish to seek an extension should ensure that they submit their request in accordance with the company’s policy and within the relevant timeframes. The Updated Retirement Policy is available on eir’s internal website.
The Union welcomes the introduction of the revised policy and believes it provides a more positive framework for members seeking to extend their working lives. We will continue to monitor the operation of the policy and keep members updated on any relevant developments.
Please bring this circular to the attention of members in your Branch.