Workers in the UK are optimistic about all aspects of their personal and financial lives, except their plans for retirement, analysis from Fidelity International has revealed.

Fidelity’s Global Sentiment Survey showed that overall levels of optimism among UK employees had risen to 54 per cent in 2025, up from 52 per cent in 2024 and 48 per cent in 2023.

At least 50 per cent of respondents rated each aspect of their finances, working lives, and health as ‘good’, other than retirement planning.

Just 37 per cent of UK workers rated their retirement planning prospects as ‘good’, while 31 per cent said they were ‘poor’.

Employees were generally more confident in achieving their near-term goals, such as paying off debts and maintaining their lifestyle and income, than long-term targets.

Less than a third (29 per cent) were confident they would be able to retire comfortably, while 31 per cent were confident in preparing for later life.

Fidelity also analysed areas that have contributed to workers feeling stressed in the past six months, with economic and geopolitical uncertainty-related issues topping the list.

However, concerns about long-term planning were not far behind, with 50 per cent stressed about saving enough for retirement and 47 per cent worried about longer-term financial goals.

“Our findings highlight a growing need for solutions that help employees plan their finances in a more joined-up way,” said Fidelity International head of workplace investing distribution, Daniel Smith.

“While many feel comfortable managing their short-term financial commitments, longer term planning - particularly preparing for retirement - remains much harder to navigate.

“Employees increasingly want to see their full financial picture in one place and understand how decisions today affect their future.

“Support through the workplace is critical. As trusted sources of information, employers are uniquely positioned to provide access to tools, education and resources that can build financial confidence - from access to digital platforms that bring together savings, pensions and investments, to in-person guidance and coaching that can help employees to make informed choices.”

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