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Women lag behind men in workplace pension contributions, analysis finds

The median male employee contributed £4,430 to their workplace pension in 2025, £310 more than the £4,120 contributed by the median female employee. 

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Women lag behind men in workplace pension contributions, analysis finds
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Broadstone’s analysis of the latest Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) data found women are still behind men in workplace pension saving, despite some progress narrowing the gap. 

The median male employee contributed £4,430 to their workplace pension in 2025, £310 more than the £4,120 contributed by the median female employee. 

In 2019, the gap was £680, with men contributing £4,660 and women £3,980. 

The gap has halved but progress has slowed in recent years, standing at £360 in 2023 and 2024.

A difference of £310 annually would mean female employees miss out on £12,400 in contributions across a 40-year career. 

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With annual investment growth of 5%, this could leave women with around £37,500 less in retirement savings.

Kelly Parsons, head of DC proposition at Broadstone, said: “While it is encouraging to see the gap between male and female pension contributions gradually narrowing, women are still saving significantly less into their workplace pensions, leaving many at greater risk of poorer retirement outcomes.

“This isn’t just a question of engagement. Women are more likely to take career breaks to care for children or family members, work part time, or reduce their hours during different stages of their careers. 

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“These interruptions can have a lasting impact on pension contributions and limit the additional savings accrued by long-term investment return growth.”

Median female employees in the private sector contributed £2,800 in 2025, £920 less than the £3,530 contributed by male employees. 

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In the public sector, the gap was larger at £3,060, with female employees contributing £8,370 and male employees £11,430.

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Female employees were less likely to opt out of workplace pension saving than men. 

In the latest quarter (Q3 2026), 10.3% of auto-enrolment eligible female employees opted out, compared to 13.3% of men. 

Opt-out rates increased for both groups in the past year, rising from 8.6% to 10.3% for women and from 11.5% to 13.3% for men.

Parsons added: “Employers are in a strong position to help close this gap. 

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“Clear, targeted communications around the value of pension saving, encouraging both private and public sector employees to review and increase contributions following pay rises or after returning from parental leave, and providing access to financial education can all make a meaningful difference.

“Creating a workplace culture where pensions are discussed more openly and employees are supported to make informed decisions won’t eliminate the structural challenges overnight, but it can help more women stay on track for a better retirement.”

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