Changes to age exemption regulations

Advice received from leading Counsel explains that age exemption is almost certainly unlawful.

The GMC has recently received leading Counsel’s advice that the current age exemption is almost certainly unlawful as it is contrary to provisions contained in the Employment Equality (Age) Regulations 2006.

The age exemption, which has been in existence since 1970, enables doctors who have reached the age of 65 to apply for exemption from paying an annual retention fee.

We are obliged to comply with the law and consequently we will be considering what further action we need to take.

We have written to doctors who are currently exempt, or about to become so. In doing so we have made it clear that the change does not require them to take any action at this point. We will contact them again when we are in a position to advise them as to the way forward.

Further updates will also be placed on this page of the GMC website.