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The average pension income of UK adults retiring in 2008 could be £5,000 less than a working adults income, Prudential has said.

Research from the insurer also revealed a split between men and womens pensions in the UK. Men expecting to retire in 2008 can expect an average annual income of £20,790, while women can expect to receive £11,291 around £12,000 a year less than the average income for UK adults.

Less than half (46%) of those planning to retire in 2008 said they believed their pension (including state and occupational schemes) and savings would provide sufficient income to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle, while 36% said they believed it would not. The survey also found only 24% of those retiring this year had sought help from a financial adviser.

Gary Shaughnessy, managing director of Prudential Retail Life & Pensions, said: These figures confirm the UKs pension crisis is far from over, and those retiring this year will have to survive on considerably less money than the average UK adult. This is bound to get worse as fewer people approach retirement with the benefit of a final salary occupational pension scheme.

He continued: It is absolutely critical that people seek professional independent financial advice when planning retirement, and the fact that just 24% of those we polled had done so is worrying.