Retirement gap widens to record 5.3 years as Britons face working until nearly 68 — with renters and women hit hardest

From the Newshound archive · first published 6 October 2026.

The gap between when Britons hope to retire and when they realistically expect to has reached a record 5.3 years, up from 4.4 years in 2024, according to a Standard Life survey of 6,000 people, with new figures highlighting how sharply the burden falls on renters and women. The average desired retirement age has remained steady at 62 for three years, while the expected age has risen to nearly 68 as financial pressures grow. The results come as the state pension age begins its phased increase from 66 to 67, and following the Prime Minister's announcement at last week's Labour conference of plans to scrap the triple lock.

Renters face the worst outlook — a 6.8-year gap, over three times the 2.1-year gap recorded for outright homeowners.

Women's retirement gap has widened to 6.1 years, nearly 36 per cent larger than the 4.5-year gap facing men.

Close to two-thirds of respondents are concerned that their pension savings fall short, with 26 per cent saying they are already struggling to get by.