Cost-of-living pressures continue to undermine workers’ ability to save enough for retirement, according to research from Broadstone.

A survey of trade union representatives and members conducted at the 2026 TUC Congress in Brighton found that 36 per cent of respondents viewed rising living costs reducing retirement incomes as the biggest challenge facing workers’ pensions.

A further 32 per cent said workers could not afford to save enough, while 24 per cent identified poor pension understanding as the main challenge.

Broadstone said the findings suggested that, alongside affordability pressures, low levels of pension understanding were becoming a significant issue in their own right and could increase the importance of trade unions in helping members navigate retirement decisions.

The survey also found strong support for higher employer pension contributions, with 40 per cent of respondents saying this would be the single change they would make to workplace pensions.

A fifth (20 per cent) called for greater transparency around pension outcomes, while 16 per cent favoured stronger protection against inflation.

Meanwhile, on pension scheme surpluses, nearly two-thirds (63 per cent) of respondents said members should benefit before employers are given greater access to scheme surpluses.

Broadstone head of policy and head of its trade unions service, David Brooks, said: “These findings underline the significant pressure that the cost of living continues to place on workers’ ability to save adequately for retirement.

“For many people, increasing pension contributions simply is not realistic when household finances remain stretched.

“However, affordability is only one part of the challenge. The fact that almost a quarter of respondents identify poor pension understanding as the biggest issue facing workers highlights the importance of ensuring people are equipped to make informed decisions about their retirement savings.”

Brooks noted that trade unions were well placed to support members while also advocating for stronger pension provision.

“Alongside continuing to advocate for better pension provision and higher employer contributions, there is a real opportunity for unions to help members better understand their pensions, the outcomes they are on course to receive and the options available to improve those.

“As pensions become increasingly complex and responsibility for retirement outcomes continues to shift towards individuals, providing members with accessible guidance, communication and support could become the next frontier for trade union pensions.”

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