Britain is facing a growing risk of a pensions crisis as more than one million young people fall outside work, education or training for the first time in over a decade.
Aaron Bright, market analyst at IG, described the situation as a “retirement crisis in slow motion” as youngsters fall behind on retirement savings.
Fresh Office for National Statistics (ONS) data shows 13.5 per cent of 16–24‑year‑olds are now classified as NEETs, the highest level in 12 years.
The rise comes as the labour market continues to weaken, with vacancies at a five‑year low and entry‑level professional roles becoming harder to secure.
Economists warn that prolonged early‑career inactivity risks leaving younger workers permanently behind on pension saving.
Royal London estimates that someone who eventually becomes a higher‑rate taxpayer could lose up to £300,000 in retirement wealth if they delay pension contributions from age 25 to 30.
Mr Bright said: “Higher‑rate taxpayers are uniquely placed to benefit from pension saving; the Government subsidises 40 per cent of every pound they put in, but that only applies if you are earning.”
Britain risks “lost generation” as youth unemployment crisis threatens pensions
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Clare Moffat, pensions and tax expert at Royal London, said retirement planning relies heavily on the “magic of time”.
“Missing out on pension saving in your twenties means forgoing compounded returns, giving up free money and potentially having to pay higher contributions in future to catch up.”
Separate analysis from Standard Life found that starting pension contributions at 30 rather than 22, based on a £25,000 salary and five per cent annual investment growth, could leave savers £61,000 worse off by retirement.
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As retirement savings falter, a retirement crisis may loom according to experts
| GETTYMalvee Vaja, financial planner at Rathbones, said these gaps are “difficult to close, even with higher contributions later on”, adding that uncertainty over the future of the state pension is increasing pressure on younger people to build private savings.
Emeritus Professor Joe Nellis, economic adviser at MHA, warned the issue goes far beyond the labour market.
“Youth unemployment is not simply a labour‑market issue.
The longer it is left unresolved, the greater the risk that it will become a major crisis for pensions and public finances.”