Pension savers have maintained strong contribution levels in the first half of 2025, sustaining the record momentum seen in 2024, according to new analysis of their own customers by PensionBee.
However the figures, based on 286,000 invested PensionBee customers as of 30 June, reveal a persistent gender gap in pension savings.
The online pension provider said the data highlights ongoing inequality in retirement outcomes and raising fresh questions about how to close the divide.
According to the data, average quarterly contributions stood at £1,624 in the first half of 2025, compared to £1,677 during the same period in 2024, marking a 3% decline.
The small drop may reflect a market settling down, following the exceptional high contributions spurred by the increased annual allowance in 2024, the company said. Despite this, savers are largely holding firm in their pension commitments amid ongoing economic uncertainty, PensionBee added.
The data shows a continued disparity between male and female savers. In the first half of 2025, men contributed an average of £1,845 per quarter, while women contributed £1,347 – a 27% gap.
Male contributions fell 4% year-on-year (from £1,920), while female contributions remained largely unchanged (from £1,349). That suggests that women are sustaining their pension contributions, even as financial pressures persist, while male contributions may be more responsive to financial circumstances or market conditions, the company said.
Lisa Picardo, chief business officer UK at PensionBee, said: “We can't allow today's contribution gaps to become tomorrow's poverty in retirement. It’s encouraging to see average contributions maintaining 2024's exceptional levels. But the persistent gender gap in contributions is concerning.
“The fact that male savers consistently contribute over 25% more than female savers reflects systemic inequalities that compound over decades. When women are earning less and taking career breaks for caring responsibilities, lower pension contributions naturally follow.”