The Actuarial Profession Comments on PPI Extending Working Lives Research: "We now have a clear view of the problems that await the over 50's facing retirement, so it is time for all relevant bodies to sit around the table and identify solutions".

Jane Curtis, President of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries comments:

“We welcome this research which has provided new and updated data that helps to identify the problems that await the over 50s as they reach state pension age, and that policy makers, regulators, the financial services industry, the Government and individuals need to tackle.

“It is clear that improving financial literacy in the UK would have a significant impact on the ability of individuals to better understand and plan for their financial futures.  Improvements to communications materials, removing jargon, demystifying the products that help people to save for their retirements or insure against health issues can only be a good thing.

“This research looks at the adequacy of pensions savings of the over 50’s working population, the trend to work beyond state pension age, trends for working part time or more flexible working hours and what impacts on the ability to work – such as health issues.  It also pinpoints factors that impact the level of income that individuals will receive when they retire.  Analysing the data a number of issues can be identified:

• “The proportion of people working beyond their state pension age is already increasing and suggests that a declining ability to afford a retirement lifestyle commensurate with their existing one is a reason why many people are choosing to continue working. 
• “40% of those currently over 50 in work and approaching retirement are on target to be able to retire at state pension age with an income that enables them to retain their current lifestyles.  Prior membership of a defined benefit (DB) pension scheme is an important characteristic in splitting the pensions haves from the have not’s. 
• “50% of those with existing DB benefits are on target to receive a retirement income that enables them to retain their current lifestyles at  state pension age and a further 20% of these people are able to reach it by deferring retirement by 1 to 10 years.  This compares to a majority (over 60%) of those with no existing DB benefits who are not on track to receive a retirement income that enables them to retain their current lifestyle even if they defer retiring for more than 10 years after state pension age.   Unfortunately the figures also show auto-enrolment (a new form of pension saving from October 2012) on its own is insufficient to bridge the gap for most of these people (see chart 18 of the report). 

“What is now clear is that there are a number of problems awaiting the over 50’s as they approach retirement. Consumers need more help to understand the impact that what they save now has on what they receive later.  The financial services industry, employers and the Government need to work together to better communicate the options that are available to individuals, the benefits of these options and the over-arching message that you must save if you want to retire with an income that is sufficient to retain your current lifestyle”.

For further comment on this report from The Actuarial Profession and a jpeg image of Jane Curtis please contact the media office:

Karen Wagg

Media communications consultant

077 255 58 551

Karen.wagg@actuaries.org.uk

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Editors Notes:

1. Actuaries provide commercial, financial and prudential advice on the management of a business’s assets and liabilities, especially where long term management and planning are critical to the success of any business venture. They also advise individuals, and advise on social and public interest issues.
2. Members of the Profession have a statutory role in the supervision of pension funds and life insurance companies. They also have a statutory role to provide actuarial opinions for managing agents at Lloyd’s.
3. The Profession is governed by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries. A rigorous examination system is supported by a programme of continuing professional development and a professional code of conduct supports high standards reflecting the significant role of the Profession in society.
4. The Profession is available to provide expert comment to the media on a range of actuarial- related issues, including enterprise risk management, finance and investment, general insurance, health and care, life assurance, mortality, and pensions