Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact on pension adequacy of people leaving the labour market before reaching State Pension age.

Ensuring current and future pensioners have adequate retirement income is a key priority for this Government and a focus of the Pensions Commission. Our system of the State Pension and workplace pensions provides the basis for security in retirement.

The State Pension is based on an individual's National Insurance record. People who leave the labour market before reaching State Pension age may be able to build qualifying years through National Insurance credits, for example where they receive certain benefits or have caring responsibilities. Where an individual does not pay National Insurance contributions or receive credits, they may, if eligible, be able to make voluntary contributions.

Automatic enrolment has succeeded in transforming workplace retirement saving with over 24 million employees participating in 2025, up from 11.6 million in 2012. However, the Government recognises that millions are still not saving enough for their retirement, which is exactly why last year we revived the Pensions Commission.

The Commission is exploring how to improve retirement outcomes, especially for those at the greatest risk of undersaving. Following the Pensions Commission’s final report, due in February 2027, the Government will set out its strategy to deliver a strong, fair and sustainable pensions system that will support future generations of savers and pensioners.