9 November 2004 - Publication of DWP research report 221: Public awareness of state pension age equalisation
New research published today by the Department for Work and Pensions examines public knowledge of the forthcoming increase to women’s State Pension age and how awareness varies according to differing characteristics. The research explores whether people know their own State Pension age, as well as their knowledge of the current State Pension ages for men and women.
The report presents the findings from a module of questions placed on the National Statistics Omnibus Survey. The data were analysed in-house at the Department for Work and Pensions. The findings will contribute to the design of the Department’s marketing campaign about the future equalisation of State Pension age.
The main findings are:
- 59 per cent of working age respondents said they were aware of the future increase in women’s State Pension age, leaving a significant percentage of people still unaware of the changes.
- Only 43 per cent of women who will be affected by the increase knew their own State Pension age. Of these, knowledge was lowest amongst women more likely to have to rely on the State Pension in retirement (i.e. those without a private pension, non-working women and women working in routine or manual occupations).
- Although the age at which people get their state pension will only change for women, there were no gender differences in awareness levels among respondents aged over 24. This is important as women’s increased SPA will have an effect on the finances and retirement decisions of the whole household. Thus men also need to be aware of the changes in order to plan appropriately.
- Awareness levels differed greatly by age, with older respondents being much more likely to know about the change to women’s SPA –unsurprising, given their proximity to retirement.
- Working status and occupation type were key indicators of awareness of the change – respondents in work, and those in professional or managerial occupations were the most likely to have heard of the increase.
- Because of the close link between having a private pension and being in work and in professional or managerial occupations, respondents who had heard of the increase were also significantly more likely to have a private pension.
Notes for editors
- The research is based on findings from a module of questions placed on the National Statistics Omnibus Survey in November 2003 and February 2004. In total, around 2,700 adults of working age (women aged 16 to 60 and men aged 16 to 65) were interviewed. The National Statistics Omnibus Survey uses a truly random, nationally representative sample across Great Britain. All interviews were conducted face-to-face. The data were analysed by Claire Murphy of the Social Research Division at the Department for Work and Pensions.
- Research Report 221 – Public awareness of State Pension age equalisation is published on 9th November 2004. The report is available on the DWP website and hard copies can be obtained from Paul Noakes, Room 4-26, The Adelphi, 1-11 John Adam Street, London WC2N 6HT.
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