The advice given to an individual on pensions varies depending on many factors, one of which is your employment status.
Self-Employed Individuals - Will have to pay NI (National Insurance) contributions in order to fund the basic state pension. The self-employed receive no other benefits at retirement.
Employees - Those paid a salary by a company will have to pay additional National Insurance contributions to fund S2P (the state second pension), previously known as SERPS (state earnings related pension scheme). However, the employee may have chosen to contract out of either or both (ie. choosing a private arrangement in favour of the state administered schemes). The employer may also provide some or all employees with an Occupational pension scheme.
Non-Employed - Individuals who cannot, or chose not to work may receive state benefits in certain circumstances (eg. Depending upon their spouse's lifetime NI contributions).

Many rules and regulations apply to pensions, including some which apply differently depending on when the funds were invested. Others restrict the amount that an individual can invest in a certain year, given their age, employment status and other factors. Because of the complexity of pensions it is impossible to summarise all of the rules and it would be misleading to do so. If you would like to know more however, then remember that ifasw.co.uk are well placed to recommend a local adviser who can help you and you are under no obligation of any kind - Just ask us by clicking here!