Women falling behind in the pension stakes High inflation has meant that the cost of basic goods has not kept up with wage increases, although there are signs of the pressure lifting as inflation eases off. Women were also more likely than men to say they are spending less on going out and treating themselves, as well as less on clothes, than they were a year ago. Martin Ellis, an economist at Halifax, said: "The fall in the amount women are saving towards a pension compared with the increase by men over the past year is likely to reflect the finding that fewer women than men are reporting that their current financial circumstances are comfortable, with more women are also reporting that money is tight. Women are therefore reacting to these conditions and reducing the amount that they are putting into their pensions. The findings come just a few months before the Government's landmark scheme to tackle the pension savings crisis by automatically placing up to 10 million people in workplace pension schemes, beginning this October. Men continue to be typically paid more than women, but the gap has narrowed over the past decade, as women's earnings have risen at a faster rate. Women's earnings have increased by 43pc, on average in the last 10 years compared with a 36pc rise for men, although a man working full-time continues to be paid "significantly" more than a woman, the study said. In 2011, average male earnings were £36,511 - 35pc higher than average female earnings of £27,006.