PARIS - THE French parliament adopted a law on Thursday that will allow people to work until 70 despite criticism from unions and the opposition Socialists that it opens the way to push back the official retirement age.

The government denies the law would force anyone to work beyond the age of 65, the age at which French workers have hitherto been obliged to retire, but says it will allow greater flexibility to those who want to keep working.

The law, which was passed in the lower house earlier this month, was passed by the Senate on Thursday.

Like other industrialised countries, France faces growing pressure on its pension system and has been forced to increase the period for which retirees pay pension contributions to 41 years despite strong opposition from unions.

Under the current system, French workers can retire at the age of 60 if they have paid contributions for a certain number of years. The contribution period is set to rise from 40 to 41 years by 2012. -- REUTERS