UK pension crisis warning: At least 15 million Britons not saving enough to retire

Millions of people across the United Kingdom are not saving enough for retirement, raising concerns that future pensioners could face worsening financial insecurity, according to a new government-backed report.The Pensions Commission said around 15 million Britons are currently under-saving for retirement, with the number potentially rising to 19 million if no action is taken.According to The Guardian, the interim report warned that large groups across the UK risk facing a “severe cliff-edge” in later life because of inadequate pension savings and increasing financial pressures.The findings showed that about 45 per cent of working-age adults are not contributing to a pension, despite many being in employment. Low and middle-income earners were identified among the groups most at risk.The report also highlighted concerns surrounding self-employed workers, revealing that only 4 per cent are paying into pensions. Savings levels among younger self-employed people were found to be particularly low.Under the automatic enrolment system, employers are required to place eligible workers into workplace pension schemes with minimum contributions of 8 per cent of earnings. Employees contribute 5 per cent, while employers pay 3 per cent.However, the commission warned that minimum contribution levels may still leave many workers financially vulnerable in retirement.The report also found that many people are accessing pension savings at the earliest opportunity. Around 30 per cent of private pension pots are reportedly withdrawn early, with much of the money spent on large purchases such as holidays, cars and home improvements.The commission, first established under former prime minister Tony Blair in 2002, was revived last year by Prime Minister Keir Starmer amid growing concerns over long-term retirement savings in Britain.The findings also pointed to a significant gender pensions gap. Women approaching retirement were reported to have average private pension savings of about £81,000, compared with roughly £156,000 for men.Jeannie Drake, who leads the commission review, said Britain needed a “renewed national settlement on pensions” to help secure adequate retirement incomes in the future.Pensions minister Torsten Bell said younger generations remained at risk of becoming poorer in retirement than current pensioners.