NAPF research: Young staff would save more if they knew what to expect from state pension

Half (47%) of those aged between 18 and 34 would save more for retirement if they knew how much state pension they would get.

That number fell to 38% among those aged 35 to 44, and 33% for those 45 to 54, according to figures from a Populus survey for the National Association of Pension Funds (NAPF).

It found, on average, those aged 18 to 24 who would pay more into their workplace pension said they would save an extra £41.06 a month, rising to £47.96 for 25 to 34 year olds. The average across all age groups was £59.51.

The survey also showed almost two-thirds (63%) of those aged 18 to 24 said not knowing what they would get from the state makes it difficult to plan for their old age, rising to 70% for 25 to 34 year olds.

Joanne Segars, chief executive of the NAPF, said: “Young people are keen to take more control of their retirement, but they need a clearer state pension foundation on which they can build their own nest egg.

“If they could see the state offer might not be enough, they would be more inclined to get their own savings sorted, partly to avoid working past an increasing retirement age.

“The current system is a dog’s breakfast and makes it impossible for people to plan their future. Even pensions experts struggle to work out what they will get, so what hope does Joe Public have?

“It can be a big ask to get someone in their 20s thinking 40 years ahead. The proposed reform of the system would be a huge improvement, but changes must stay in place over the long-term.

“We have to get younger people switched on to their financial future. Starting a pension early can make a massive difference to the final size of a retirement pot. A clearer state pension will bring more young people into the habit of saving.”

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