A "growing minority" of pension savers want to receive information through newer digital channels, although traditional methods remain the most popular, according to new research from Pensions UK.

Email updates are the most commonly used channel, selected by 62 per cent of respondents, followed by websites (44 per cent) and paper statements or letters (37 per cent).

Mobile apps and official government updates are each used by 30 per cent of savers, while employer communications (28 per cent) and financial advisers or in-person advice (24 per cent) continue to play a significant role.

By contrast, newer forms of communication remain less widely adopted.

Just 13 per cent of savers said they use video guides, while webinars (7 per cent), social media updates (6 per cent), and AI or chatbot services (5 per cent) attracted limited interest overall.

However, engagement with these channels is notably higher among younger savers aged 18 to 24, with 11 per cent using social media for pension information and 8 per cent accessing AI or chatbot tools.

Only 4 per cent of respondents said they did not want to receive any pension information at all.

The survey also highlighted areas where savers lack confidence.

More than a quarter said they were unsure how much to save for retirement (28 per cent), while 26 per cent cited concerns about planning for an adequate retirement income.

Understanding the impact of inflation on future income was a challenge for 25 per cent, and around one in five struggled to navigate tax rules for pension contributions or withdrawals.

Other issues were less prevalent but still significant, including knowing how much they have across all their pensions (20 per cent), understanding investment choices (15 per cent), and awareness of responsible or sustainable pension options (10 per cent).

Despite these concerns, the findings suggested a strong appetite for long-term financial security and greater clarity.

More than three-quarters of savers (77 per cent) want to see all of their pensions in one place, while 61 per cent support the automatic consolidation of multiple pension pots.

Meanwhile, almost four in five respondents (79 per cent) said they value having the ability to choose how their pension is invested, underlining the importance of transparency and personal control.

Pensions UK deputy director of strategic policy and research, Matthew Blakstad, said many savers are keen to engage more actively with their retirement savings.

“Many pension savers want to engage with their retirement savings and have the relevant information at their fingertips,” he noted.

“They want to see all their pensions in one place, combine pots automatically, and make informed decisions about how their money is invested.”

He argued that clearer communication is critical if savers are to take control of their retirement outcomes.

“Providers and the government must make pension information clear, simple, and accessible through the channels people actually use,” Blakstad added.

“Improving communication is not just a convenience; it is essential for helping savers take control of their retirement.”

Looking ahead, he stressed that the timing was right to act on the findings.

“As we gear up for the new year, with personal finance planning top of people’s minds and further changes coming to pensions policy, there is no better time to act,” Blakstad concluded.

“Every pension member who wants to engage should have easy access to relevant information so they can understand their options and engage confidently with their savings."

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