Many Have 'Blind Faith' in State Pensions

Many Brits believe that the pension crisis will be sorted out by the time they retire despite the bleaker outlook of the Turner report, a new survey claims.

Two in five adults believe they have nothing to worry about, according to IFA Promotion (IFAP). Even workers closest to the retirement age - those aged between 55 and 64 - believe that problems with the state pensions will be resolved in the near future.

Women have greater confidence in the pension system with 42 per cent believing that the crisis will be quickly resolved compared to 38 per cent of men.

Those on lower incomes are also optimistic than their higher paid peers with half choosing to believe the best compared to 37 per cent in the higher income bracket.

IFAP claims that this belief in the provision of state pensions combined with the rising age of retirement could explain Brits reluctance to save instead of spend.

David Elms, chief executive of IIFAP, says: "It is apparent from the Turner Report that there is no one instant cure-all for the current pension crisis, but one thing is clear: the sooner individuals start saving for their own retirement, and the more they save, the better.

"Too many people are putting blind faith in the future of the State pension system and putting off taking action themselves."

But 70 per cent of those who are already putting money aside say they cannot afford to save more for their futures.