We’ve partnered with The Sunday Times to explore the data in our new Women and Retirement Report. Single mothers are almost twice as likely to live in poverty when they retire compared to the average woman. That’s why we’re asking the Government for a timetable and commitment to it's latest reforms that will improve the retirement prospects of millions of women in the UK. 

Single mums and the pension gap

Automatic enrolment has nearly doubled the number of females saving into a workplace pension in the last decade. Whilst this is great progress the gender pension gap still persists across all women but especially single mothers, 3/4s of whom face living in poverty in retirement. 

Almost half of working single mothers work part time to manage childcare and coupled with other financial pressures it can make it much harder for them to save for retirement. That’s why we’re asking the government for a timetable and commitment to its latest pension reforms to help lower earners and part time workers build up their retirement savings.

 

Image of Jill Henderson

The latest Pension Reform announcements

The latest Pension Reform announcements

The Government recently announced pensions reforms, that will mean employed people aged 18 or over will be automatically enrolled into a pension, no matter what they earn. Making pension savings more accessible to many more people.

‘’We welcome the latest pensions reforms which  could mean an extra £43k in pensions savings for the average women who is 18 today’  and works part time throughout her working life’*

Jill Henderson Head of Business Development.

  • Assumptions: Women who is 18 today, works part time until age 68 (earnings track the average for women of each age bracket working part-time). Savings based on auto enrolment rates Median earnings are based on 2022 ONS pay data.  2% real investment returns. 

Our 19th Women & Retirement Report

Our flagship annual Women & Retirement Report is shared industry wide, giving a thorough analysis of women’s preparedness for retirement.

Read our report (PDF, 4MB) opens in a new tab

TAKING ON THE GENDER PENSION GAP

Despite there being more women saving for retirement the Gender Pension Gap still persists. Women will retire with an average of £123,000 less than men. This International Women’s Day we campaigned for change and our data and campaign was discussed in parliament.

 

Infographic showing chart 1: Today, on average women are retiring with £123,000 less than men. Chart 2: On average a 25 year old woman today will retire with £100,000 less than a man.

Chart 1 - Today, on average women are retiring with £123,000 less than men.
Chart 2 - On average a 25 year old woman today will retire with £100,000 less than a man.

View larger graph
 

Infographic showing chart 3: Women are more likely than men to take on roles that affect their ability to retire with the same amount as men.

Chart 3 - Women are more likely than men to take on roles that affect their ability to retire with the same amount as men.
Chart 4 - On average a woman retiring today would need to work to age 81 to get the same level of retirement savings as a man.

View larger graph

THREE STEPS TO HELP TAKE ON THE GENDER PENSION GAP


Understanding the key drivers behind the gap and the steps you can take can help you minimise the financial impact on your pension.

Get a head start in your 20’s

This can help off-set any drop in income later, if you choose to take a career break or work part time.

See the impact  saving younger can have.

See the impact (PDF, 86KB) Opens in a new tab.

Take advantage of your workplace pension

This is a tax efficient way to save for your future.  Employers must now offer a workplace pension so find out if you can join.  Every time you pay in, the Government and your employer pays in too.

If you’ve had more than one pension you might have other pensions so could be worth tracking these down.

Government’s Pension Tracing Service

Watch now

Talk about pensions

Lifestyle factors that contribute to the Gender Pension Gap such as sharing the financial impact of career breaks, caring responsibilities. Pensions during divorce and potentially some settlement and even the benefits of joint annuities.  These are just some of the important things we forget to talk about but we all should as they can have a big impact on retirement plans.

Find out more about:

Annuities

Pensions during divorce

Gender Pension Gap?

HOW WE’RE TAKING ON THE GENDER PENSION GAP

To help close the gap we’re working with organisations across our industry, the education sector and the Government.  We’re committed to highlighting the issue, providing support and guidance as well as campaigning for pension reforms that could make it easier for women to save for retirement.

CAMPAIGNING FOR CHANGE: RAISING AWARENAESS AT SCALE

Our 4th International Women’s Day partnership, helped build equality as a leading voice on International Women’s Day. Our 2023 campaign brought our own research data to life across multiple media channels.

See how we’ve done this

Gender Pension Gap Q&A

The Gender Pension Gap is the difference between the pension pot of men and women when they retire.

Read our Q&A (PDF, 433KB) Links open up in a new window

Our recommendations

  • Tackle causes of the Gender Pension Gap
  • Support ethnic minorities in their different approaches to funding their retirement
  • Encourage better financial understanding across all demographics
  • Improve pension guidance and education to young women
  • Remove the auto-enrolment contribution threshold
  • Improve knowledge on annuities and joint annuities in particular

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