How does the UK state pension compare with other countries?

When comparing the UK state pension to that of other countries, the UK appears to offer a relatively lower pension relative to average worker earnings. The OECD calculates the replacement rate by comparing the basic state pension to the average wage, and the UK's pension falls short compared to other wealthy nations. Even accounting for workers being automatically enrolled in occupational pension schemes, the UK's pension is only 54.2% of average earnings, whereas the global average stands at 63.2%.

This disparity is mainly due to the UK's state pension being the most expensive benefit to fund, amounting to over £150bn annually. However, the UK spends a lower percentage of its economy on total retirement benefits compared to other wealthy countries. Factors contributing to this include the UK's investment in universal healthcare and prioritisation of social programs over pension spending.

Despite the UK's efforts to address the increasing costs of the state pension, such as implementing a revised triple lock system, there is still a significant gender pension gap, with women typically receiving a third less than men on average. To bridge this gap and ensure a comparable retirement to other countries, the article emphasizes the importance of personal savings and taking proactive steps, especially for those who may have limited time to make up for past earnings and career breaks.