Gender Pension Gap Page

6 ways women could boost their pension pots

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6 ways women could boost their pension pots

  1. Contribute as much as you can to your pension – and start early
  2. Check the charges on your pots & see if consolidating will bring them down
  3. Check the amount of your State Pension & plan how you’ll cover any shortfall
  4. Put more into your pension when you get a pay rise
  5. Talk through your pension planning with your partner
  6. Keep a regular eye on your pension to ensure you’re in full control

For more information on the gender pension gap, read our latest article “The Gender Pension Gap Issue“. Alternatively, if you would like to speak to one of our Financial Advisors about the pension planning services we offer, then please get in touch.

Financial advice for women

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Only 16% of Financial Advisors in the UK are women, compared to 84% of men.

At Ellis Bates, 35% of our Financial Advisors are women and we encourage all women of all ages to come to us for financial advice. We have a diverse staff and are able to offer the choice of a female Financial Advisor for women who would feel more comfortable speaking to another woman.

If you would like to speak to one of our female Financial Advisors, please get in touch with us to book a free initial chat.

The Gender Pension Gap Issue

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73% of women make only minimum pension contributions, compared to 58% of men.

A significant difference in pension contributions between men and women has been revealed from a recent study[1], highlighting that women are more likely to pay the minimum required amount into their pensions under auto-enrolment.

According to a study, 73% of women contribute the minimum amount (5% of their salary, topped up with 3% from their employer), while only 58% of men do the same. Additionally, 25% of men regularly contribute more than the minimum, compared to 17% of women. Moreover, 10% of men occasionally make extra lump sum contributions, whereas only 5% of women follow suit.

Working days for extended periods

This disparity in contribution levels contributes to the UK’s gender pension gap, which is estimated to have been nearly 40% in 2019/20[2]. Women not only contribute less as a percentage of their salary but are also 32%[3] more likely to reduce their working days for extended periods, affecting their earning potential.

Factors like falling below the autoenrollment threshold, taking career breaks for motherhood or caring responsibilities, and long-term health conditions further impact women’s financial futures.

Cultural shifts in recent decades

The difference in contribution levels will ultimately lead to financial inequality in retirement. Even though auto-enrolment has successfully brought over ten million people into the pension system, the current minimum contribution levels are insufficient for a comfortable retirement.

Life stages affecting women’s earning power exacerbate the gender pension gap. Despite cultural shifts in recent decades, women still bear the brunt of caring responsibilities for children and vulnerable adults. The government’s free childcare offerings may help improve the situation, but further expansion of the auto-enrolment scheme is necessary to make significant progress.

Financial advice for your retirement

To enjoy the retirement you’ve been dreaming of and be in control of your retirement plan, do not hesitate to get in touch to speak to one of our Independent Financial Advisors.

Important Information: A pension is a long-term investment not normally accessible until age 55 (57 from April 2028 unless the plan has a protected pension age). The value of your investments (and any income from them) can go down as well as up, which would have an impact on the level of pension benefits available. Your pension income could also be affected by the interest rates at the time you take your benefits.

Source data: [1] Boxclever conducted research among 6,000 UK adults. Fieldwork was conducted 6 Sept – 16 October 2022. Data was weighted post- fieldwork to ensure the data remained nationally representative on key demographics.
[2] ‘The Gender Pension Gap’, House of Commons Library, 4 April 2022.
[3] ‘Caught in a gap: the role of employers in enabling women to build better pensions’, Phoenix Insights, December 2022.

Gender Pension Gap Industries

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The industries that have the largest gender pension gap

  • 59% Healthcare
  • 51% Construction
  • 48% Real estate/property development
  • 46% Pharmaceutical
  • 46% Aerospace, defence and government services
  • 45% Senior care

Women Seeking Financial Support

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Financial Planner, Carol Lammy-Steele, discusses why women are less likely to seek financial support from a Financial Adviser.

Gender Pensions Gap

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Women’s pensions at retirement are half the size of men’s

The gender pensions gap is the difference in the average amount of money that men and women have saved for retirement and it begins at the very start of a woman’s career.

Women are more likely to take breaks from work to raise children or care for relatives, which can reduce their earnings and pension contributions over time. They also tend to live longer than men, meaning they need to have enough saved to last them through retirement.

As a result, women’s pensions at retirement are half the size of men’s, regardless of the sector they work in,
research has highlighted[1].

Long-term financial impact

The research found that every single industry in the UK has a gender pensions gap, even those dominated by female workers. Considering women are likely to live four years[2] longer than men, this issue deepens as they need to have saved around 5% to 7% more at retirement age.

Worryingly, more than a third (38%) of women who have taken a career break were not aware of the long-term financial impact it would have on their pension.

Three key industries

According to the research, the gender pensions gap exists regardless of average pay across different sectors, and ranges from a gap of 59% in the healthcare industry to 13% in courier services.

The healthcare (59%), construction (51%), real estate/property development (48%), pharmaceutical (46%), aerospace, defence and government services (46%) and senior care (45%) sectors were found to have the largest gender pensions gaps.

Of these six sectors, three are key industries for female employment – healthcare, pharmaceuticals and senior care[3]. There are many reasons for the gender pensions gap, ranging from women holding fewer senior positions and being paid less, resulting in lower pensions contributions, to the fact they are more likely to take career breaks due to caring responsibilities.

Gender confidence gap

Another potential driver is a significant gender confidence gap when it comes to managing pension pots. More than a quarter (28%) of women said they had confidence in their ability to make decisions about their pension, compared to almost half (48%) of men[5].

This lack of confidence extends further to other $nancial decisions, with women less likely than men to feel confident managing their investments (22% of women versus 41% of men) and their savings (56% of women versus 67% of men).

While many factors behind the gender pension gap are out of most people’s control, there are some actions you can take to help reduce it:

  • Contribute as much as you can to your pension – and start early.
  • Compound interest remains hugely underrated and poorly understood by both some men and women.
  • Check the charges on your historic pension pots. If appropriate, see if consolidating your pots will bring them down.
  • Check how much your State Pension will be and when you’ll get it. If it’s not going to support your ideal lifestyle, plan how you’ll cover any shortfall.
  • Put a bit more into your pension whenever you get a pay rise.
  • Talk through your pension planning with your partner. Make sure you know about each other’s saving plans, contribution limits and that you are both on the same page.
  • Keep a regular eye on your pension to make sure you’re in full control of it and saving for your ideal future.

There are a number of ways to close the gender pensions gap. Employers can offer flexible working arrangements that allow women to balance work and family life. Governments can also provide tax incentives for pension contributions. And finally, individuals can look to save
more for retirement.

Source data:
[1] The analysis is based on LGIM’s proprietary data on c.4.5 million defined contribution members as at 1 April 2022 but does not take into account any other pension provision the customers may have elsewhere.
[2] ONS: Life expectancy at birth in the UK: 82.9 years for women vs 79 years for men; Office for National Statistics, 2018–2020. Average four years.
[3] According to the ratio of female members across the Legal & General book of business.
[4] Legal & General Insight Lab survey of 2,135 workplace members was conducted between 4–26 July 2022.
[5] Opinium survey of 2,001 UK adults was conducted between 4–8 February 2022.

Gender Confidence Gap

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There is a significant gender confidence gap when it comes to managing pension pots

The following table shows the large difference in women and men being confident in pensions, investments and savings:

Confidence in: Women Men
Ability to make decisions about their pension 28% 48%
Managing their investments 22% 41%
Managing their savings 56% 67%

Source: Opinium survey of 2,001 UK adults was conducted between 4-8 February 2022.

Bridging the Gender Pensions Gap

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Women left with half the pension pot, no matter the job.

We’ve all heard about the gender pay gap, but very few discuss the gender pensions gap, despite the fact so many women experience it. Women’s pensions at retirement are half the size of men’s, regardless of the sector they work in, new research has highlighted[1].

The gender pension gap is the percentage difference in income between men’s and women’s pensions and it begins at the very start of a woman’s career.

Long-Term Financial Impact

The research found that every single industry in the UK has a gender pensions gap, even those dominated by female workers. Considering women are likely to live four years[2] longer than men, this issue deepens as they need to have saved around 5% to 7% more at retirement age.

Worryingly, more than a third (38%) of women who have taken a career break were not aware of the long-term financial impact it would have on their pension.

Three Key Industries

According to the research, the gender pensions gap exists regardless of average pay across different sectors, and ranges from a gap of 59% in
the healthcare industry, to 13% in courier services.

The healthcare (59%), construction (51%), real estate/property development (48%), pharmaceutical (46%), aerospace, defence and government services (46%), and senior care (45%) sectors were found to have the largest gender pensions gaps. Of these six sectors, three are key industries for female employment – healthcare, pharmaceuticals and senior care[3].

Lower Pensions Contributions

There are many reasons for the gender pensions gap, ranging from women holding fewer senior positions and being paid less, resulting in lower pensions contributions, to the fact they are more likely to take career breaks due to caring responsibilities.

Of those that have taken a career break, 38% did not know the financial impact it had on their pension contributions[4].

Gender Confidence Gap

Another potential driver is a significant gender confidence gap when it comes to managing pension pots. More than a quarter (28%) of women said they had confidence in their ability to make decisions about their pension, compared to almost half (48%) of men[5].

This lack of confidence extends further to other financial decisions, with women less likely than men to feel confident managing their investments (22% of women versus 41% of men), and their savings (56% of women versus 67% of men).

While many factors behind the gender pension gap are out of most people’s control, there are some actions you can take to help reduce it:

  • Contribute as much as you can to your pension – and start early. Compound interest remains hugely underrated and poorly understood by both some men and women.
  • Check the charges on your historic pension pots. If appropriate, see if consolidating your pots will bring them down.
  • Check how much your State Pension will be and when you’ll get it. If it’s not going to support your ideal lifestyle, plan how you’ll cover any shortfall.
  • Put a bit more into your pension whenever you get a pay rise.
  • Talk through your pension planning with your partner. Make sure you know about each other’s saving plans, contribution limits and that you are both on the same page.
  • Keep a regular eye on your pension to make sure you’re in full control of it and saving for your ideal future.

Need advice to close the gender pay gap in your pension?

Women often have disrupted work patterns, career gaps and work part-time – this can impact their ability to save consistently for retirement without savings gaps. If you are concerned about your retirement plans and would like to review your pension options, please contact us . We look forward to hearing from you.

A pension is a long-term investment not normally accessible until age 55 (57 from April 2028 unless plan has a protected pension age). The value of your investments (and any income from them) can go down as well as up which would have an impact on the level of pension benefits available. Your pension income could also be affected by the interest rates at the time you take your benefits.

Source data: [1] The analysis is based on LGIM’s proprietary data on c.4.5 million defined contribution members as at 1 April 2022 but does not take into account any other pension provision the customers may have elsewhere.
[2] ONS: Life expectancy at birth in the UK: 82.9 years for women vs 79 years for men; Office for National Statistics, 2018 – 2020. Average four years.
[3] According to the ratio of female members across the Legal & General book of business.
[4] Legal & General Insight Lab survey of 2,135 workplace members was conducted between 4-26 July 2022.
[5] Opinium survey of 2,001 UK adults was conducted between 4-8 February 2022.

Mind the pension gender gap

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The pension gender age gap Women are being urged to think about their long term savings

Women are still behind men when it comes to retirement savings, which is why they need to consider the pension gender gap.

Imagine reaching retirement age and discovering that, despite years of saving, you don’t have enough money to get by. Worse still, suppose you’re unable to pay for the right kind of care in your old age.

If you and your partner separate or your spouse dies unexpectedly – will you have sufficient funds to see you through retirement? Now, all of these might sound like worst-case scenarios but, unfortunately, for women right across the UK one or more of them could become a reality.

Earning trends

The ‘Women and Retirement’ report[1] has found that if current work and earning trends continue, young women today will need to save an average of £185,000 more during their working life to enjoy the same retirement income as men.

The colossal gender pension gap is made up of a savings shortfall, plus the need to fund a longer retirement because women on average live longer than men. This also leads to higher care costs. Many women will naturally take time o! to start a family – resulting in gaps in their work history.

And even if women remain in the workforce, some still tend to earn less than men, on average.

Vulnerable situation

21% of women surveyed said they plan to rely at least partly on their partner’s income in retirement. However, this can leave women in a particularly vulnerable situation should they separate from their partner.

Right now, it’s rare for divorce settlements to account for pension assets, which means that women could end up in particularly unstable financial situations following divorce.

Funding retirement

Also, women tend to live longer than men – two to three years, on average. Indeed, this continued rise in longevity means that a 25-year- old man today can expect to live to 86, while a woman can live to 89.

And while rising longevity is of course a good thing, it does raise specific challenges – especially when it comes to funding retirement and old age.

Living longer

Together with living longer, women are also more likely to need care when they’re older. In fact, of the 6 million people in the UK over the age of 60 currently living with a disability, 3.5 million of them are women.

And those women who do need care spend on average a year longer in care homes than men. Right now, the average cost of care is £679 per week, which means women would need an extra £35,000 during retirement for residential care costs.

Moreover, as women can expect to live two to three years longer than men, they would also need around £50,000 for their retirement – bringing the total amount needed to match a man’s retirement income to £185,000.

Concerned about the gender pension gap?

As a woman, your pension is a key part of your retirement planning. How much you put away now, how you invest for the future and how you choose to access your pension once you’ve stopped working, are all key considerations for anyone hoping to enjoy a long and happy retirement. If you have any concerns or questions about your retirement plans, please contact us for more information.

Source data:

[1] Scottish Widows 2021 ‘Women and Retirement’ report – research carried out online by YouGov Plc across a total of 5,059 adults aged 18+. Data weighted to be representative of the GB population. Fieldwork was carried out between 23 March and 3 April 2021 through an online survey. 5,059 interviews were carried out. The sampling criteria were based on four key metrics: age, gender, region and social grade.

A pension is a long-term investment not normally accessible until age 55 (57 from April 2028 unless plan has a protected pension age). The value of your investments (and any income from them) can go down as well as up which would have an impact on the level of pension benefits available. Your pension income could also be affected by the interest rates at the time you take your benefits.

The tax implications of pension withdrawals will be based on your individual circumstances, tax legislation and regulation which are subject to change in the future. You should seek advice to understand your options at retirement.