Women set to out-earn men on UK state pension from next year

The Department for Work and Pensions reports that women who start receiving the state pension next year will earn about 36p more per one outlet than men, a reversal of the historic gap. The 2016 pension overhaul introduced a flat-rate pension of £241 a week for those with 35 qualifying years, while older schemes with earnings-related top-ups are being phased out, reducing the male advantage. Former pensions minister Steve Webb, who helped design the system, says the gender gap has been closing steadily and expects women to lead the payouts soon.

While the state pension gap narrows, broader retirement wealth still favours men, with private and workplace pensions showing larger disparities. Experts advise individuals to check their National Insurance record, fill any gaps with voluntary contributions, or defer claiming to boost future payments.