Acting Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Employment and Labour, Mrs. 'Mamots'eare Makoko told LENTSOE LA BASOTHO newspaper that the new law will be binding on all public servants employed after its publication.

Serving government employees would have the discretion to retiring and being given their pensions from the age of 55 or five years later at 60 years of age.

Pensions will be worked out according to whether individuals have chosen the 55 or 60 year retirement options, Mrs. Makoko said, cautioning however that people should announce their intention to retire at least six months before he actual dates so that their monies can be worked out in time.

The new law will also allow government to retire people prematurely if it is not satisfied with their performance and production. This category of employee would only qualify for a pension provided  they had 10 years of service and were over 45 years of age.

Public servants who resign before retirement age will also not get any pension monies except if they have 10 or more years of service, Mrs. Makoko said.

Retirement age is currently 55 years of age.

14 March 2005