Less than a half of UK employees believe their occupational pension fund is safe, and a further quarter have neither a positive nor negative view, according to JLT Benefit Solutions.

JLT says the research has highlighted 'an alarming disconnect' between employers and their staff.

"While just 43 per cent of UK employees feel their occupational fund is safe, a further 25 per cent of individuals feel unable to accurately assess the financial security of their scheme - figures that suggest employers are still not helping employees to understand the position of their pension savings," said Duncan Howorth, CEO at JLT UK Employee Benefits Group.

However, those with a final salary pension scheme showed the highest level of confidence, with 51 per cent admitting that they feel safe. Just 32 per cent of those in stakeholder schemes, 39 per cent in a defined contribution scheme and 27 per cent in a Group Pension Plans agreed that they too felt safe.

"In the current climate it is surprising that final salary members have expressed such high levels of confidence in their funds. Since we are seeing a significant proportion of these schemes being wound up by many UK businesses, I would have expected confidence to be lower and for employees who are members of defined contribution schemes we would expect more confidence in their pension fund," Howorth commented.

He added that the public appears to be more disengaged with pensions at this worrying time, when understanding and involvement are of the utmost importance. "With the advent of Personal Account in 2012 this is an important time for employers to help employees understand and value pensions and to know what actions they should be taking or questions they should be asking. This widespread apathy is counterproductive for our industry. JLT is one of a number of providers who can work with employers to improve both employees' understanding and perceived value of the benefits they receive," he concluded.

- Pensions Age March 2009

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