Private Occupational Pension Schemes

HC Deb 13 June 2003 vol 406 cc392-3W

Mr. Cox

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will estimate the number of working people in the United Kingdom who are members of private occupational pension schemes. [116712]

Maria Eagle

In 2000, there were 5.7 million active members of private sector occupational pension schemes in the UK.

Notes:

1. This estimate is taken from the Occupational Pension Scheme Survey 2000 conducted by the Government Actuary's Department (GAD). Full results from the survey were released by GAD in April this year. 2000 is the latest year for which data is available.

2. An 'active' member is a member of an occupational pension scheme who is at present accruing benefits under that scheme in respect of current service.

3. It is possible for an individual to be an active member of more than one occupational pension scheme.