Only 19% of women agree or strongly agree their pension will enable them to live comfortably in retirement, compared to 34% of men, according to research by third-party pensions administrator Trafalgar House.
Its fifth Trust and confidence index, surveyed more than 2,000 people over the age of 18, also found that 43% of men rated their trust in pensions at six or above, compared to just 34% of women. Meanwhile, 27% of women and 20% of men said that they did not have a pension provider.
In addition, men were more likely to value digital tools such as self-service websites and apps, while women preferred clear communication and reliable information.
Comparatively, last month Trafalgar House reported a drop in trust in the pensions industry for the first time since the launch of its index. The average score fell slightly to 5.23 out of 10, down from 5.26 in 2024, despite growth in previous years.
Daniel Taylor, client director at Trafalgar House, said: “Our research clearly shows men tend to be more trusting and optimistic generally about pensions; they’re also more likely to report positive experiences and feel confident about their retirement prospects. In contrast, women are more likely to express doubt, distrust, or concern about their financial futures. Perhaps most alarming of all is the percentages that don’t have a pension provider at all, regardless of gender.
“Are women less trusting, or simply more realistic, especially considering the challenges they face across their working lives? Lower pay, career breaks for family, and financial vulnerability after divorce all contribute to long-term pension inequality. The message is clear: the pensions industry must do more to understand and address gender-specific concerns. Communications must be clearer, support must be more inclusive, and services must meet the needs of all savers, not just some.”
