Only one of five working people currently not paying into a pension plan to stay auto-enrolled, research from Harris Interactive has found.

According to the market research agency, 46% of working people would stay opted into a pension, 42% are unsure and 13% would opt out. However, only 25% of respondents currently without a pension would stay enrolled.

Its survey of almost 2,000 people revealed the inability to afford the extra payment into a pension was cited as the main reason for opting out, at 54%. Instead, 40% of people surveyed expected their main home to support them financially in retirement. Over 40% also stated that they do not trust pensions whatsoever.

Harris Interactive research director Susan Vidler said: “Overall, the research shows that 63% of people think that auto-enrolment is either ‘a very good or good idea’; it is encouraging that people recognise what the government is attempting to do and it is a positive step to encourage us to save more and for longer. However, when we look at our research on a personal level doubts start to appear, with 74% of people who do not have a pension claiming that they are ‘unsure’ or would opt out.”

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