Picture Ref: 77735.53NATIONWIDE workers will now be able to carry on working until they reach the age of 75.

The finance giant, which employs nearly 4,000 workers at its UK headquarters in Pipers Way, set out its anti-ageist plan last night.

Bosses say everyone including customers will be winners.

Jeremy del Strother, divisional director for personnel and development, said: "Research has shown that there is a strong correlation between employee satisfaction, customer satisfaction and the success of any business.

"We have found that older employees help increase the levels of satisfaction among our customers.

"We know that some employees wish to continue working beyond the normal retirement age, so we have enhanced our policies to support those employees, giving them more choice."

Nationwide recently voted the UK's Best Big Company to Work For by the Sunday Times was one of the first organisations to introduce flexible retirement in 2001, allowing folk to continue working until they reach 70.

Switchboard operator Margaret Huntley, 68, is one of the firm's oldest employees and she's proud of the fact.

The great-grandmother-of-five, who lives with husband, Peter, also 68, in Stratton St Margaret, intends to carry on working for as long as she can.

And she even says that she couldn't rule out working until the age of 75.

"I have worked for Nationwide for the past 10 years," said Mrs Huntley.

"I think it's lovely that people are being given the choice to stay on if they wish.

"If someone is fit and they're familiar with the job I see no reason why they shouldn't still be working at 75 if that is their wish."

Mrs Huntley, who was made redundant from British Telecom in 1992, reckons oldies can give young people a good run for their money.

She said: "We offer employers reliability and dedication. And I think older people are more hard-working."

Nationwide's decision looks certain to please trade unions.

Brendan Barber, general secretary of the Trade Union Congress, said: "It's good to see employees and unions working together to combat ageist attitudes at work.

"Nationwide has been forward-thinking enough to realise the benefits that come from employing older workers.

"I hope other businesses start to follow Nationwide's lead."

Miranda Yates, a spokeswoman for Age Concern, said: "This is definitely a step in the right direction.

"People have the right to work for as long as they want to, and as an organisation we are against the mandatory retirement age.

"If they want to or need to for financial reasons people should be able to work for longer and we fully support Nationwide's decision."

Reg is 92 not out

THE day begins at 4.30am for B&Q worker Reg Hill, who turns 92 later this month.

Mr Hill, of Florence Street, Gorse Hill, has helped stock the shelves of the DIY store for the past 10 years.

And he says he'll carry on working as long as his legs will carry him.

"Every morning I put my feet on the ground and say to myself that I'm still alive then off to work I go," he said.

"Had I not been given this job I would have been gone years ago.

"I enjoy work. It gives meaning to my day and I get to meet some wonderful people in the process."

Mr Hill took on the job in the weeks after his wife Vera died.

"I had a void in my life and I need to fill it," he said. "I think any man or lady, who is fit, should be allowed to work for as long as they like without any kind of encumbrance from employers."

Kevin Shoesmith