LONDON - The British government says employers will no longer be allowed to force employees to retire at age 65 unless they can justify the policy.

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The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills said Thursday that the new policy will be fully effective on October 1. Workers over 65 will still be subject to the same dismissal procedures as other employees if their performance is unsatisfactory.

Previously, employers could compel workers to retire at 65 regardless of performance.

The government will also raise the eligibility age for state pensions from 65 to 66, effective in 2020.

The policies are intended in part to relieve pressure on pension systems as people live longer.