DWP: 88% of eligible workers enrolled in workplace schemes

The number of savers enrolled in workplace schemes has increased steadily since 2012

Hope William-Smith
clock • 5 min read

Almost nine in ten eligible pension savers across the UK were participating in a workplace schemes last year, with the figures proving a steady increase since 2012 is being maintained.

The Department for Work and Pensions' (DWP) Workplace pension participation & savings trends report, released today (2 September), gathers statistics from all members of qualifying workplace schemes, including group personal pensions and group stakeholder pensions. Overall participation of eligible employees was 88% in 2020, representing 19.4 million savers, and similar to levels recorded for 2019. A total £105bn was saved last year - £58.9bn in the private sector and £47.1bn in the public sector. Within the total, £36bn was attributable to employer contributions in the private sec...

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

Why waiving the right to tax-free cash is not a straightforward decision

Why waiving the right to tax-free cash is not a straightforward decision

Depends on a number of factors

Lisa Webster
clock 14 May 2026 • 3 min read
King's Speech has limited impact on pensions

King's Speech has limited impact on pensions

Pensions UK says there may be pension implications from other aspects of the legislative programme

Jonathan Stapleton
clock 13 May 2026 • 1 min read
Pensions and divorce: Where advisers can add the most value

Pensions and divorce: Where advisers can add the most value

'A pension is not simply another line on a balance sheet'

Tim Latham
clock 12 May 2026 • 4 min read