Last updated: September 2026
There is no fixed retirement age in the UK. In other words, most employers can no longer make you retire at a set age, as used to be the case, unless they can objectively justify a compulsory retirement age. The default retirement age UK of 65 years no longer exists, so you can work as long as you like and make your own decision as to when you retire. However, if you work in certain industries, such as the Fire Service, or there are physical fitness levels associated with your work, then you may be subject to a ‘compulsory retirement age’.
So when is the best age to retire? The answer is different for everyone, but it usually comes down to three things: when you can access your pensions, how much you need to live on, and whether you feel ready to stop working. This guide looks at each, using the latest UK figures.
What is the retirement age in the UK to claim the state pension?
There are ages at which you can access state, workplace and personal pensions. Different minimum ages apply when it comes to being able to access these respective pension funds.
State Pension age is the same for men and women. There is now no difference between women’s pension age UK and male retirement age UK for claiming the state pension, as there used to be.
State Pension age is currently rising from 66 to 67. The increase began in May 2026 and will be completed by 2028. When you can claim your State Pension depends on when you were born (GOV.UK timetable):
- Born before 6 April 1960: State Pension age is 66.
- Born between 6 April 1960 and 5 March 1961: 66 plus a number of months, depending on your birthday.
- Born between 6 March 1961 and 5 April 1977: 67.
- Born on or after 6 April 1977: under current law, State Pension age rises to 68 between 2044 and 2046.
The timetable is kept under review and could change again in future. You can check your own State Pension age and forecast on GOV.UK. Seeking financial advice can help you understand how any changes might affect your retirement plans.
For private and workplace pensions, the earliest age you can usually take money out is currently 55. This rises to 57 from 6 April 2028, unless you have a protected pension age (GOV.UK).
What is the average retirement age UK?
According to the Department for Work and Pensions, the average age at which people leave the labour market in the UK is now 65.8 for men and 65.1 for women (2026 figures, published September 2026). Both are the highest levels recorded using ONS data, and the gap between men and women has been steadily narrowing (DWP).
The average retirement age UK wide has been increasing over recent decades, and the UK compares with many other developed countries in that respect.
Nowadays, most people retire in their mid-60s, although there is a big trend towards working for longer. In fact, it may surprise you to learn that the number of people working into their 70s in the UK has doubled in the past decade. This is due to a number of factors.
Firstly, people are living longer, so retirement savings may need to last 25 or 30 years or more. A lot of people have a desire to keep working so they can fund their lifestyle into older age, a key consideration in financial planning.
Secondly, due to the increase in technology-driven jobs, fewer people are doing physically demanding manual jobs. This means that it’s more likely for workers to stay employed for longer.
Finally, the rising State Pension age means many people need to fund more years themselves if they want to stop work early, which encourages some to keep working a little longer, or to move to part-time work first.
So what is the best age to retire in the UK?
The answer to this question lies in how much you need to comfortably retire and fund the lifestyle you desire.
The Retirement Living Standards, published by Pensions UK (formerly the PLSA), describe a ‘comfortable’ retirement as having more financial freedom and some luxuries, such as foreign holidays, regular meals out and a car. In their June 2026 update, a comfortable retirement costs around £45,400 a year for a single person and £62,700 for a couple, while a moderate retirement costs around £32,700 and £45,400 respectively. These figures are after tax and assume no mortgage or rent to pay (Retirement Living Standards).
For comparison, the full new State Pension is £241.30 a week in 2026/27, around £12,548 a year (GOV.UK). So for most people, the State Pension alone won’t fund a moderate or comfortable retirement, and the earlier you retire, the more years you need to fund entirely from your own savings.
Some people look forward to an early retirement, in which case you would need to look at how much you’d need to retire at 55, or how much you need to retire at 60. 55 is currently the earliest age at which you can usually start drawing a personal pension (rising to 57 from April 2028), although there may be certain circumstances in which it is possible to draw it earlier, such as ill health.
If you own a business, you may pass the responsibility of running it on to someone else, then start drawing your personal pension and topping up your retirement income through any investments you may have. Alternatively, you may decide to sell the business to help fund your retirement. Consulting a financial adviser can help you navigate these options effectively.
If you are employed, you would hand in your notice and access your workplace pension, topping it up with any private savings or investments you may have. Some people choose a phased retirement, reducing their hours before stopping work entirely.
When the time comes to turn your pension into an income, you will also need to decide how to take it, for example through an annuity, flexible drawdown or a mix of the two. Our guide to pension drawdown vs annuity explains the main differences.
The best age to retire UK wide really depends on how well you have planned for it financially, and whether you feel ready to retire. Advice on setting financial goals can help you work out what’s achievable and when.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average retirement age in the UK?
DWP figures published in September 2026 put the average age of leaving the labour market at 65.8 for men and 65.1 for women.
What is the State Pension age in the UK?
It is rising from 66 to 67 between 2026 and 2028. Anyone born between 6 March 1961 and 5 April 1977 will reach State Pension age at 67, and under current law it rises to 68 for those born on or after 6 April 1977.
Is there a compulsory retirement age in the UK?
No. The default retirement age was abolished, so most employers cannot make you retire at a set age. A small number of roles can still have a justified compulsory retirement age.
What is the earliest age I can retire?
You can retire whenever you can afford to, but you can’t usually take money from a private or workplace pension until 55 (57 from 6 April 2028). The State Pension can’t be claimed before State Pension age.
Looking for retirement planning advice? Talk to the specialist retirement planners at PMW.
At Partridge Muir & Warren, we have been advising individuals and couples on their retirement planning options for over 50 years. Our advice is independent, widely trusted and fully focused on the best interests and personal goals of our clients, from our financial planners in Surrey to clients across the South East.
Through our in-house team of legal, financial and tax experts, we are also able to provide advice on wills and estate planning so that our clients have access to a complete range of helpful, associated guidance.
If you would like to start looking at how you could retire when you feel it’s best for you, get in touch with our friendly team to arrange your no-obligation consultation.
This article is for general information only and does not constitute financial advice. Pension and tax rules can change.