Occupational scheme membership rises to 45.6 million people

69% of general population

James Phillips
clock • 2 min read

Membership of occupational pension scheme membership has risen to a record high of 45.6 million people as of the end of last year, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

In its Occupational Pension Schemes Survey - published today (20 June) - also revealed active membership has risen to 17.3 million people, another record high for the data series. Average contributions to open private sector defined contribution (DC) schemes also increased from 3.4% in 2017 to 5.0% at the end of 2018, largely due to the increase in minimum auto-enrolment (AE) contributions. This comprised of 2.7% from members, and 2.3% from employers. It is the sixth consecutive year that occupational scheme membership has risen, matching the same period as during which AE was rolled ...

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

James Phillips
Author spotlight

James Phillips

Professional Pensions journalist from 2016-2022

More on Retirement

Retirement tax planning and the issue of underspending

Retirement tax planning and the issue of underspending

Retirement planning Q&A

Professional Adviser
clock 12 October 2026 • 6 min read
Partner Insight: PruFund arrives on Scottish Widows Platform

Partner Insight: PruFund arrives on Scottish Widows Platform

How integrating PruFund onto the Scottish Widows Platform expands retirement options for advisers without increasing administrative burden

Ross Easton, Head of Platform Propositions, Scottish Widows
clock 05 October 2026 • 3 min read
The conversation that has to change with the 100-year life

The conversation that has to change with the 100-year life

'Advisers need to continue to challenge the cliff-edge narrative directly with clients'

Graeme Bowden
clock 24 September 2026 • 4 min read