Ethnic minorities, retirement planning and Personal Accounts

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to examine issues relating to public and private pensions for individuals from some of the major ethnic minority groups in the UK. Design/methodology/approach - The paper draws on data from in-depth interviews and focus groups with 64 respondents from the six largest ethnic minority groups in the UK, as well as from a white British control group. Findings - The research found that a belief in the need for retirement planning was held by respondents of all backgrounds, that there was a widespread view that state pension should be increased to a more adequate level, and concern amongst some respondents that they would be unable to receive retirement income from pension schemes if they were to retire in another country. Research limitations/implications - The limitations of the research largely concern the limited sample of respondents (n = 64), the use of English in all interviews and significant reliance on the internet in order to contact potential respondents. Practical implications - It is suggested that more widespread information about retirement planning is needed in minority ethnic media and that in promoting the forthcoming scheme of Personal Accounts, the government should make clear the extent to which the scheme will allow members to receive retirement income in another country, for those who choose to retire abroad. Originality/value - The paper contributes new information about attitudes to the forthcoming scheme of Personal Accounts, and explores retirement strategies of ethnic minority individuals in the UK.