How to set up a pension if you're self-employed

Three-quarters of self-employed workers are not paying into a pension, meaning millions of people could be woefully unprepared for retirement. We explain the different pension options and reveal the best providers

Female self-employed coffeeshop owner
Self-employed pensions: running your own business often means there's no time to sort out a pension
(Image credit: Getty Images)

More than three-quarters (76%) of self-employed workers are not currently paying into a pension, while 38% have no pension at all.

This was the alarming finding by investment platform Interactive Investor in its annual retirement survey.

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Ruth Emery
Contributing editor

Ruth is an award-winning financial journalist with more than 15 years' experience of working on national newspapers, websites and specialist magazines.

She is passionate about helping people feel more confident about their finances. She was previously editor of Times Money Mentor, and prior to that was deputy Money editor at The Sunday Times. 

A multi-award winning journalist, Ruth started her career on a pensions magazine at the FT Group, and has also worked at Money Observer and Money Advice Service. 

Outside of work, she is a mum to two young children, while also serving as a magistrate and an NHS volunteer.