The survey indicated the situation was worst among under-30s, with only about one in three or 36% putting anything into a pension, with many saying they cannot afford it because they are paying off debts.
Only 55% of 41 to 60-year-olds are currently paying into a pension. The survey indicates several reasons some do not, from redundancy to women leaving full-time work to have children.
The government will introduce Personal Accounts in 2012, to try to reverse this situation. Personal Accounts will require employees to be automatically enrolled, contributing 4% of earnings, with the employer paying 3% and tax relief providing another 1%.