Women's pensions are up to 35% lower than those of retired men, according to research from the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI).

Its new report, Gender, Pensions and Income in Retirement, found that 55% of retired men have a private or occupational pension, compared to just 28% of women.

And it says the gender pension gap is also fuelled by the fact that, on average, women spend less time in the workforce than men.

The report recommends a range of policies to improve female pension coverage and encourage more continuity in employment.

Fórsa official Billy Hannigan said the report was an important contribution to the discussion on pension reform. “It underlines the need for auto-enrolment so that occupational pensions are open to all workers. Better child and elder care supports are also needed to address the gender pension gap,” he said.

Mr Hannigan added it was important to highlight the effect that taking time off work has on pension entitlements. “This has implications for women’s private and occupational pensions, and their service duration in terms of entitlements for public and State pensions.”

The report also noted that women with higher educational attainments were less likely to be effected by the gender pension gap.

Further information is available HERE and the full report can be found HERE.