Mind the (widening) gender pensions gap

‘A terrifying outcome for women in retirement’

clock • 4 min read

The widening gender pensions gap is not just a financial statistic. It is a societal challenge that demands urgent attention, writes Caitlin Southall

The gender pensions gap (GPG) is a persistent, and worsening inequality in the UK, outweighing the gender pay gap. Defined by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) as the percentage difference between female and male uncrystallised median private pension wealth around minimum pension age (55–59), the gap reflects decades of systemic disparities in earnings, employment patterns, and pension provision. One of the main drivers of the GPG is lower salaries for women over the course of their working life and therefore contributing less to their pensions, compounding a significant prob...

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

Mind the gap: Why advisers have a key role in closing the gender pension divide

Mind the gap: Why advisers have a key role in closing the gender pension divide

'While access to pensions has improved, barriers remain'

Julia Peake
clock 22 October 2026 • 5 min read
Planning points: Paying pension funds to charity on death

Planning points: Paying pension funds to charity on death

IHT on pensions may create opportunities for charitable giving

Martin Jones
clock 16 October 2026 • 3 min read
Torsten Bell: Pensions industry must 'give ground' to what savers trust

Torsten Bell: Pensions industry must 'give ground' to what savers trust

Torsten Bell says what the industry is doing is a ‘triumph’, but there must be transparency

Holly Roach
clock 15 October 2026 • 1 min read