Saving for pensions shows growth in 2025, yet persistent gender inequity persists
In the first half of 2025, the average quarterly contributions for pension savers in the UK have seen a general decline compared to the same period in 2024. However, a significant gender gap in contributions persists, with men contributing more than women.
According to recent data, the average quarterly contribution for male savers stands at £1,845, a decrease from £1,870 in 2024. In contrast, female savers contribute an average of £1,347, a decrease from £1,362 in the previous year. This translates to a 27% gap in average quarterly contributions between male and female savers.
The gender pension gap among those approaching retirement, as per Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) figures, is a staggering 48%. This means women generally accumulate far less pension savings than men over their working lives.
Interestingly, while male contributions may be more responsive to financial circumstances or market conditions, women are sustaining their pension contributions. This trend aligns with DWP figures, which show a significant 48% private wealth gap between men and women approaching retirement.
Lisa Picardo, Chief Business Officer UK at PensionBee, expressed concern about the persistent gender gap in contributions. PensionBee reports a 3% decline in average quarterly contributions in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.
The gap between self-employed and employed savers has narrowed in the first half of 2025. The average quarterly contribution for self-employed savers is £1,635, while employed savers contribute £1,679. The difference in average quarterly contributions between the two groups is £44.
To address this persistent gap, potential policy reforms include extending automatic enrolment into workplace pensions, recognizing unpaid caregiving, introducing flexible contribution options, improving financial education, addressing the underlying gender pay gap, and implementing structural reforms.
Trade unions and pension experts stress that individual action alone cannot close this gap; systemic policy intervention is required to create equitable retirement security for women.
In summary, while the gender gap in state pensions has largely closed for recent retirees, the gender gap in pension savings and private pension wealth remains wide—around a third to nearly half—and policy reforms focused on pension access, caregiving recognition, contribution flexibility, and pay equity are key to narrowing this disparity.
[1]: Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) [2]: Office for National Statistics (ONS) [3]: PensionBee report [4]: TUC report [5]: Women and Equalities Committee report
Wealth-management firms and personal-finance advisors should explore ways to address the persistent gender gap in pension contributions, given the significant disparity between male and female savers. This gap, as shown by Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) figures, is a staggering 48%, translating to a much lower accumulation of pension savings for women over their working lives. Policy reforms such as extending automatic enrolment into workplace pensions, improving financial education, and addressing the underlying gender pay gap may contribute to narrowing this gap. [1], [4], [5]
