'If you are male and 40, you will be able to recall the registration numbers of every car you have ever owned'. True, but I should warn Ali Mohammed that when he reaches 50, he may still remember the numbers of every car he owned up to 40, but not the one he owns today!

More seriously, I would take issue with Ali's suggestion that it would be "completely nonsensical" for NHS employers to keep the right to specify a staff retirement age. Yes, I hope all employers will welcome people continuing beyond 65, and value their contribution equally with everyone else's. But won't Ali's organisation want to keep the right to say when it is time for someone to leave?

Perhaps HSJ could host more discussion of best practice in this area, to meet the needs and rights of both employee and organisation.

Simon Young, director of finance, Tavistock and Portman foundation trust