OECD brands triple lock 'most bizarre' pensions policy for a long time

State pension optimism could be undermined by economic woes

clock •

The triple lock is "one of the most bizarre policies" implemented in UK pensions for a long time, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

OECD employment, labour and social affairs directorate deputy director Mark Pearson said the policy of ratcheting up the state pension above inflation of wage growth set the UK apart from other countries. Speaking at the launch of the organisation's Pensions at a Glance 2015 report, Pearson said the UK pension system still looked good on paper. However, he warned that the optimistic expectations for the sector could be undermined by economic difficulties, the failure of automatic enrolment or the triple lock. Pearson said: "The triple lock is the most bizarre policy that I think we...

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

Pension Lab processes more than one million digital LoAs

Pension Lab processes more than one million digital LoAs

Challenge around ‘standards for consistency’

Sophia Panayi
clock 06 November 2026 • 1 min read
DWP, TPR and FCA launch consultation on guided retirement to help 'resurrect' pensions

DWP, TPR and FCA launch consultation on guided retirement to help 'resurrect' pensions

Consultation covers how default pensions should work in practice

Holly Roach
clock 03 November 2026 • 6 min read
Do clients already own the best retirement portfolio?

Do clients already own the best retirement portfolio?

'Feeling safer and being safer aren't the same thing'

Alex Funk
clock 29 October 2026 • 4 min read