A third of UK adults have voluntarily increased pension contributions – and even small top-ups could add thousands to retirement savings

id

• 31% of UK adults have increased their monthly pension contributions beyond the minimum, and 10% have made one-off lump sum payments
• Standard Life analysis finds boosting monthly contributions by just 2% could result in £52,000 more in retirement
• Making one-off payments of £1,000 every five years could add £21,000 to your pension pot

As Pension Engagement Season 2025 gets underway, new research¹ from Standard Life reveals that nearly a third (31%) of UK adults are taking proactive steps to strengthen their retirement savings by increasing their workplace pension contributions beyond the minimum level. Additionally, one in ten (10%) have made one-off lump sum payments into their pension.

Standard Life’s analysis² highlights how even modest increases in pension contributions - whether monthly or occasional - can significantly enhance retirement outcomes, thanks to the power of compound investment growth over time.

For example, someone who starts working at age 22 on a salary of £25,000 and pays the minimum auto-enrolment contributions (5% employee, 3% employer) could build a pension pot of around £210,000 by age 68, adjusted for inflation. However, increasing monthly contributions by just 2% (to 7% employee) from the outset could result in a retirement fund of £262,000 - an uplift of £52,000.

Even a 1% increase in monthly contributions could add £26,000 to the final pot, showing how small changes can make a meaningful difference over time:

^{*assuming 3.50% salary growth per year, and 5% a year investment growth. Figures account for 2% inflation. Annual Management Charge of 0.75% assumed. The figures are an illustration and are not guaranteed. Earning limits not applied.}

One-off contributions also offer a valuable boost. For instance, someone who makes nine payments of £500 every five years between ages 25 and 65 could be £5,000 better off in retirement. Those able to contribute more – for example £5,000 every five years - could see their pension pot grow to £264,000, an increase of £54,000 compared to standard contributions alone:

^{*assuming monthly 5% employee, 3% employer contributions between 22 and 68. 3.50% salary growth per year, and 5% a year investment growth. Figures account for 2% inflation. Annual Management Charge of 0.75% assumed. The figures are an illustration and are not guaranteed. Earning limits not applied.}

Dean Butler, Managing Director for Retail Direct at Standard Life, part of Phoenix Group, commented: “It’s great to see so many people taking charge of their financial future – and the best part is, you don’t need to make huge changes to see a big impact. Even small top-ups, whether monthly or occasional, can add up to tens of thousands of pounds over a working lifetime.

“Pensions Engagement Season is a great time to check your pension and consider whether you could afford to contribute a bit more. Our analysis shows that even a 2% increase in monthly contributions could potentially result in an extra £52,000 in retirement, while making one-off payments of £1,000 every five years could boost your pot by £11,000. Starting early and contributing consistently is key, and some employers will match additional contributions, giving your savings an even greater lift. If you’re able to save more, your future self is likely to thank you.”

- Ends -

Media enquiries

For further information, photos, video content or interviews, contact:

Notes to editors:

[1] Ipsos Mori online research conducted on behalf of Standard Life in June 2025. Quotas and weights were used to ensure the respondents were representative of the general population on age, gender and region. In total 6,000 participants took part.

[2] Calculations assume the following:

Starting Salary	£25,000
Employer Contribution	3.00%
Employee Contribution	5.00%
Investment Growth	5.00%
Salary Growth	3.50%
Inflation	2.00%
Annual Investment Cost	0.75%

Calculations are intended only for the sole purpose of providing an illustration regarding the projection of savings and pensions. They should not be used with the intention to give an accurate representation of real-world outcomes.

About Standard Life

• Standard Life is a brand that has been trusted to look after peoples’ life savings for 200 years.
• Today it proudly serves millions of customers who come to Standard Life directly, through advisers and through their employers’ pension scheme.
• Standard Life is part of Phoenix Group, one of the largest long-term savings and retirement business in the UK. We’re proud to be building on 200 years of Standard Life heritage together.
• Our products include a variety of Pensions, Bonds and Retirement options to suit people’s needs, helping our customers to invest and save for their future. We’re proud to offer a leading range of sustainable and responsible investment options.
• We support our customers on their journey to and through retirement with comprehensive, easy-to-understand guidance so they can invest in the right way for their needs and plan a future they feel confident about.
• The value of investments can go down as well as up and may be worth less than originally invested.