More boys than girls have pensions at young age - HMRC data

'Counter intuitive'

clock • 1 min read

Parents and grandparents are more likely to save into a pension for their sons than their daughters, according to data from the taxman.

The statistics, obtained by Hargreaves Lansdown from HM Revenue & Customs, showed that 20,000 boys aged under 16 had money paid into a pension for them in 2016/17, compared to 13,000 girls. Those who do not have any earnings can pay up to £2,880 per year into a pension and receive 20% tax relief, including children, and parents and grandparents can pay into a pension plan on behalf of youngsters. Hargreaves Lansdown senior analyst Nathan Long said: "Parents and grandparents are far more likely to save for boys than for girls, so the gender pension gap can start from birth. While women...

To continue reading this article...

Join COVER for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, key trend analysis and industry insights.
  • Stay on top of the latest developments around health and wellbeing, diversity and inclusion and the cost of living crisis.
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletter.
  • Members only access to monthly programme 'The COVER Review'
  • Be the first to hear about our CPD accredited events and awards programmes.

Join now

 

Already a Cover member?

Login

More on Long Term Care

NHS waiting list grows but waiting times decrease

NHS waiting list grows but waiting times decrease

Median wait time 13.4 weeks

Cameron Roberts
clock 14 August 2025 • 2 min read
Long-term sick costs business £21,000 per employee

Long-term sick costs business £21,000 per employee

MetLife UK research

Cameron Roberts
clock 17 July 2025 • 2 min read
NHS waiting list down but doctor strike to derail progress

NHS waiting list down but doctor strike to derail progress

List down to 7.36 million patients

Cameron Roberts
clock 10 July 2025 • 2 min read