Most workers in the UK expect to be working part-time after reaching the age of 65, according to a retirement study.
Scottish Widows polled 3,535 people and found 51% expect to be working into their mid-60s, while 18% of those claim it’s more out of necessity than choice.
With minimum auto-enrolment contributions increasing on 6 April 2018, 44% are failing to save the recommended 12% of their salary towards retirement each year.
Only 24% of respondents expect to be in a position to retire when they hit the age of 65, while 39% feared running out of money in retirement.
Robert Cochran, retirement expert at Scottish Widows, said:
While the idea of people around the age of 60 to 65 giving up work once and for all has been disappearing in recent years, our research shows this is a necessity rather than a choice for many.
Auto-enrolment has been a great success and the increase in minimum contributions should mean more people have valuable pension funds to live off as they approach later life.
With life expectancy expected to continue rising, it’s worthwhile remembering that saving for the future doesn’t need to stop at retirement age.
You might be interested in...
17 Jun 2026
Read how engineering firms can balance short-term pressures with long-term growth using R&D, strategic investment, and the right advisory support.
Learn more
Innovating when the pressure’s on: Lessons from Silverstone Composites
16 Jun 2026
Business mileage rates have changed - and are to be backdated from 6 April 2026. This is the first mileage rate increase in over 15 years. Read more to learn what's changed.
Learn more
Mileage Rate Change 2026/27
08 Jun 2026
Kieran Oldershaw, Property Service Associate Director, talks about how he's developed in his career over the years and what advice he'd give to those who are just starting out.
Watch now
Beyond the Books Episode 6
08 Jun 2026
Discover how TC Group helped Sentinel ICCS Ltd overcome complex accounting systems, streamline audit processes, and improve financial reporting and compliance.
Learn more
Case Study: Sentinel ICCS Ltd
27 May 2026
Domicile. Residency. Double taxation. The tax impacts that you need to know about working or living abroad.
Learn more
UK tax implications of working abroad
27 May 2026
Cut through the AI hype and demo overload with our five practical tips to help SMEs adopt AI in a controlled, business-focused way.
Learn more
Top 5 tips for SMEs starting their AI journey