The number of teachers opting out of the Teachers’ Pension Scheme (TPS) because they cannot afford to continue contributing has risen by more than two-thirds over the last year, new data has shown*.
Figures from the Department for Education, analysed by Wesleyan, revealed that 9,199 teachers across the UK left their pension scheme for personal financial reasons between April 2022 and March 2023 – a 77% increase on the same period in the previous 12 months.
Opt-outs because of affordability accounted for nearly three-quarters (72%) of all cases of teachers leaving the TPS between April 2022 and March 2023 (9,199 out of a total 12,824), up from 64% the year before (5,193 out of a total of 8,106).
The findings come as separate research from Wesleyan revealed that two in five teachers expect their financial situation to deteriorate in the coming 12 months**.
Linda Wallace, Director of Wesleyan, said: "These stark findings could indicate the makings of a retirement income crisis within the teaching profession, if teachers are leaving their pension scheme without plans for – or the ability to – keep saving towards their future.
"While circumstances may mean that more and more teachers simply can’t afford to keep contributing, leaving the TPS should be a last resort if there's any choice. The pension scheme is an extremely valuable benefit.
"It has the major advantage of being index-linked, which helps protect it from future increases in the cost of living and guarantees retirement income that is directly linked to a teacher’s salary. Any pension alternative that teachers might look to replace it with is likely to be far less generous.
"We’re urging anyone who is thinking about potentially leaving the TPS, or re-thinking their retirement plans, to first seek professional advice."
* Department for Education
** Wesleyan survey