Why the self-employed risk being left behind in retirement

Do they understand what a pension can offer?

clock • 4 min read

Why is there a decline in pension saving among the self-employed, and how can we reverse it? Damien Bowler explores the issues

Working for yourself can be a long-held dream, but it's usually also about making a profit to provide the business owner with an income. While individuals have different requirements, business owners will one day retire and spend their time doing the things they love. However, are the self-employed at risk of being left behind when it comes to pension wealth? A recent report from the Institute for Fiscal Studies confirms that less than one in five self-employed individuals are saving into a pension. This is especially concerning given the significant growth in the self-employed sector...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Pensions

Women's pensions: Why the gender savings gap opens at age 28

Women's pensions: Why the gender savings gap opens at age 28

Women in their late 50s hold 48% less in their pension than men

Rachel Vahey
clock 11 June 2026 • 3 min read
DC pension pot growth points to increased fraud risk, pensions minister warns

DC pension pot growth points to increased fraud risk, pensions minister warns

Torsten Bell says expanding DC pots will attract increased fraudster attention

Martin Richmond
clock 11 June 2026 • 2 min read
Revised transfer regs widely backed but industry calls for 'clear and practical' guidance

Revised transfer regs widely backed but industry calls for 'clear and practical' guidance

DWP makes key changes to traffic-light transfer conditions

Jonathan Stapleton
clock 10 June 2026 • 7 min read