A survey by the Department for Work and Pensions has shown that less than half of Britons are actively putting money into a pension, the Telegraph reports, which could be putting them at risk of debt when they actually retire.

Just 17% of those questioned believed that contributing to a pension pot wasn’t the best way to save for their life after work, but only 48% are actually saving like this in preparation for retirement.

According to the findings, young people are the most likely to not save for their old age, with 80% of those aged 18 to 24 and 50% of those aged between 25 and 34 not saving at present.

A spokesperson for the IVA Forum commented: “Saving for retirement is an excellent way to protect an individual against debt in later life.

“Of course, there may be reasons why people can’t save – debts, for example, or other financial commitments – but we would advise anyone in a position to save for their future to do so.”