Six in 10 self-employed expect to still be working at 66

According to new research from Aviva, six in 10 self-employed (61%) expect to still be working at 66, compared with fewer than half (47%) of UK working age adults overall. Just 39% expect to be retired by that age, compared with 50% nationally.

For many, this will be a positive choice. Self-employed workers often enjoy the independence that comes with running their own business and may want to continue working longer.

For others, continuing to work may feel like a necessity because they are concerned about whether they will have enough income to retire comfortably. Aviva is encouraging anyone who feels retirement is further away than they would like not to be discouraged. Even small steps taken today could help improve future financial security and give people greater control over when they retire:

1. Think about the future you want

Retirement doesn't have to mean stopping work completely. Whether it's working fewer hours, pursuing different opportunities or stepping away from work altogether, having a clear vision of the future can help shape financial decisions today.

2. Check where you stand

Gather details of existing pensions, savings and investments and check your state pension forecast. Understanding your current position is the first step towards deciding what to do next.

3. Save in a way that works for your income

Self-employment often means income fluctuates throughout the year. Many pension products allow contributions to be easily adjusted or supplemented quickly with one off payments, helping savers adapt to changing circumstances.

4. Make the most of tax relief

Pension contributions usually benefit from tax relief, helping boost the value of retirement savings. For more information, self-employed savers can visit MoneyHelper, contact their pension provider like  Aviva, review HMRC guidance or consider taking regulated financial advice.

5. Review your plans regularly

Set aside time each year to review retirement goals and savings plans to help ensure they continue to reflect your priorities.

The UK is home to around 4.5 million self-employed workers and freelancers who contribute significantly to the economy and value the independence that self-employment can offer.

The latest findings build on research published by Aviva earlier this year that show a savings gap among the self-employed, with many not proactively saving for retirement or simply unaware of some of the pension options available to them.

Four in 10 (41%) self-employed workers say they are comfortable with the idea they may never formally retire, compared with 27% of UK working age adults overall.

The findings also show that many self-employed are already engaging in their financial future with more than half (53%) taking steps to ensure they have an adequate income for retirement. But almost half (49%) admit they do not currently hold any pension products, with just one in four (25%) saying they have a workplace pension - half that of the wider working population (50%).

Qualitative research found that fluctuating income, business costs and household commitments can make saving harder for the self-employed over the long term. Respondents did not reject pensions altogether. Instead, they wanted flexible savings options, clearer information and practical guidance that reflects the realities of self-employed life. Most responded positively when retirement planning was discussed in terms of having greater control over later life, rather than retiring at a fixed age.

Alistair McQueen, Head of Savings and Retirement at Aviva, said: "There is no single right way to approach later life.  Many self-employed enjoy what they do and may choose to continue working long after they could afford to retire. For them, continuing to work can be a rewarding and positive decision.

"Others may feel they need to keep working because they don't believe they will have the income they need to retire in the way they'd like. If that’s the case, all is not lost. Even relatively small steps, made consistently over time, can make a meaningful difference.

“What matters is that continuing to work remains a choice. Retirement isn't about stopping work at a particular age. It's about having the freedom to decide what later life looks like for you."

Aviva has launched The Pensions Playbook, a new educational video series answering some of the most common pension questions.

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Methodology

^{Research was conducted by Ipsos on behalf of Aviva among 4,000 UK adults aged 18–66 via an online survey between 28 May and 9 June 2026. The final addressable-market sample was 3,881 adults (defined as non-retired adults who are household financial decision-makers; those relying solely on defined benefit pensions were excluded), including 262 self-employed respondents. Quotas and weighting were applied to ensure the sample was nationally representative on age, gender, region, ethnicity, working status and personal income.}