'Almost half of all UK workers have no pension'

Nearly half of the UK workforce does not have a pension, according to a survey.

Some 46% of the employed do not contribute to a pension scheme.

Despite this 64% of men want to retire by 65 and 36% of women want to retire before 60.

The research by the Consumers' Association reveals 24% of workers say they cannot afford a pension.

The survey questioned 653 people aged over 15 who were working or seeking work in February this year.

The Consumer Association says there are two other main reasons for people not contributing to a pension.

A significant 19% think they are too young and the idea of a pension had simply never occurred to 18% of those questioned.

Mick McAteer, senior policy adviser for the CA, said: "These new results are shocking.

"It is clear that not enough consumers are saving enough at present to provide a reasonable pension, even if they work all the way up to 65.

"These new findings show that the Government has an enormous challenge ahead of it if consumers are to enjoy a financially comfortable future."