Pension savings in the UK have remained resilient through the first half of 2025, with average quarterly contributions staying close to the record highs seen in 2024, according to new research from leading online pension provider PensionBee.
The analysis, based on data from 286,000 invested customers as of 30 June 2025, revealed that average quarterly contributions reached £1,624, only slightly below the £1,677 recorded in the same period last year. This 3% drop comes after a surge in contributions following the increased annual allowance in 2024, suggesting savers remain committed to their pensions despite economic headwinds.
However, the research also exposed a persistent gender gap in pension savings. In the first half of 2025, men contributed an average of £1,845 per quarter, while women contributed £1,347, representing a 27% difference. The gap has barely shifted from previous years and mirrors figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) indicating a 48% pensions gap among those approaching retirement.
The data further shows that male contributions have dropped 4% year-on-year, from £1,920 in 2024, while female contributions have remained largely unchanged at £1,347. This points to women maintaining pension commitments despite financial pressures, while male contributions appear more sensitive to changing economic conditions.
Encouragingly, the gap between employed and self-employed savers has narrowed significantly. In early 2025, self-employed savers contributed an average of £1,635 per quarter, just £44 less than the £1,679 contributed by employed savers. Both groups recorded small declines compared to last year – 4% for the self-employed and 1% for employed workers.
PensionBee chief business officer UK Lisa Picardo said, “We can’t allow today’s contribution gaps to become tomorrow’s poverty in retirement. It’s encouraging to see average contributions maintaining 2024’s exceptional levels. But the persistent gender gap in contributions is concerning.
“The fact that male savers consistently contribute over 25% more than female savers reflects systemic inequalities that compound over decades. When women are earning less and taking career breaks for caring responsibilities, lower pension contributions naturally follow.
“The DWP’s own figures show a significant 48% private wealth gap between men and women approaching retirement. The government must urgently address these structural barriers through policy reforms, while employers and the pensions industry need to do more to support women’s retirement outcomes.”
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