MONEY MATTERS - 3 ways to track down old workplace pensions

Our expert Rebecca Gamble helps make your cash go further

- Rebecca Gamble

One in eight people don’t know how many old workplace pension pots they have, according to a poll by Interactive Investor. So if you’re in the dark about yours, then it’s essential you act...

1 Take action right now‘

The mystery of missing pensions is one you definitely want to solve as over the years, investment growth – even for pots you haven’t been contributing to – can add up to thousands of pounds,’ says Interactive Investor’s Becky O’Connor. ‘That is money few of us can afford to ignore in retirement so find out where your old pensions are now. Go through your old files or emails and if this fails, contact the HR departments of old employers,’ she says. ‘They should easily be able to tell you the name of the pension provider they use or used at the time.’

2 What to do if you’re stuck

‘If you’re struggling, for example if you can’t find your former employer’s contact details, or if the company doesn’t exist any more, you can try using the Government’s free Pension Tracing Service (gov.uk/find-pension-contactdetails) to help you track down the contact details of your old workplace pension scheme,’ she says. ‘However, if you’re looking online, bear in mind there are other pension-tracing services available, but they may charge a fee or offer to trace your pension for free, but then try to sell you additional services.’