The Occupational Pension Schemes Survey (OPSS) covers both private and public sector occupational pension schemes registered in the UK. Results from the OPSS provide a detailed view of the nature of occupational pension provision in the UK.

The survey collects information about scheme membership, benefits and contributions from a sample of occupational trust-based pension schemes (consisting of two or more members). It also includes those that are winding up.

OPSS does not cover state pensions or personal pensions, the latter being based on individuals entering into a contract with a pension provider.

Main points

• Total membership of occupational pension schemes in the UK was an estimated 41.1 million in 2017, compared with 39.2 million in 2016 and is the highest level recorded by the survey.
• Total membership of public sector pension schemes was 15.5 million in 2017, compared with 14.8 million in 2016.
• Active membership of occupational pension schemes was 15.1 million in 2017, split between the private sector (8.8 million) and the public sector (6.3 million).
• Active membership of private sector defined contribution schemes was 7.7 million in 2017, compared with 6.4 million in 2016.
• In 2017, for private sector defined contribution schemes, the average total (member plus employer) contribution rate was 3.4%, falling from 4.2% in 2016.