The gender gap has grown when it comes to pensions with women expecting to retire on over £7,000 less than men in 2010, according to Prudential.

Women planning to retire in 2010 can expect to receive an average annual pension of £12,169 - £7,424 less than men. The Prudential Class of 2010 retirement survey also shows that women's pensions have fallen by 11 per cent since 2009.

The gender gap has increased by £782 since 2009, when the difference between the two pensions was £6,642.

However, a decrease in expected pension incomes is forecast for men as well - in 2009 men collected an annual pension of £20,313, while 2010's pension will decrease by 3.5 per cent to £19,593.

Regional forecasts show huge differences, with those living in the South East expecting £19,275, and those in the South West just £13,871 per year.

Karin Brown, director of pensions and annuities at Prudential, said: "The reason women appear to get less in their pensions than men is embedded in years of history and, to a certain extent, because some women take a career break to have children which has an impact."

Brown said there are options for women to help reduce this deficit in future, and advises that women speak to their employers to maximise the tax advantages that pension savings can bring.

For women taking a career break, a home responsibilities protection can safeguard the state pension, although this must cover the full tax year from April to April. National Insurance contributions that are missing can also be bought back.

"Women could also consider trying to keep up any company or private pension contributions even if they are on maternity leave or an extended career break - or ask their spouse or partner to make contributions for them," Brown added.

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