A recent survey by Which? has revealed that nearly half of all UK adults contributing to a defined contribution workplace pension are unaware of the amount their employer contributes. The research, conducted between 14 and 17 August 2026, surveyed 1,294 working adults.
Despite the potential for employer contributions to significantly boost retirement savings, only 30% of working adults ranked them in their top three benefits when considering a new job. This placed pension contributions behind paid sick pay, flexible working hours, and holiday allowance.
The findings highlight a potential mismatch in how individuals value different job benefits. While over half (55%) of respondents stated they would consider employer pension contributions when choosing a new job, only three in ten actually included them in their top three most important benefits.
Workplace pensions became more significant following the introduction of auto-enrolment in 2012. This government initiative has seen participation among eligible workers rise from approximately 55% in 2012 to 82% last year.