Occupational Pension Schemes Survey, 2013

27th September 2014

Total membership of occupational pension schemes with two or more members was estimated to be 27.9 million in 2013, an increase of 300,000 compared with 2012. These estimates exclude participation in other workplace (group personal) pensions.

The numbers contributing, or having contributions paid into a scheme (active members), rose slightly from 7.8 million in 2012 to 8.1 million in 2013. There were increases in active membership for both the private and public sector.

Contribution rates to defined benefit schemes (having excluded deficit reduction payments) remained higher than for defined contribution schemes.

For private sector defined benefit schemes, the average contribution rate was 5.2% of pensionable earnings for members (employees) and 15.4% for employers.

For private sector defined contribution schemes, the average contribution rate was 2.9% for members (employees) and 6.1% for employers.

Details from the Office for National Statistics in UK