Almost four out of 10 people below the age of 57 expect they will get a state pension when they reach 67, even though this is unlikely to be the case, according to new research.

The government has agreed that the state pension age will rise in stages to 67 over the next 10 years but will then continue rising in line with life expectancy developments.

But 56% of 21 to 57-year-olds polled by Intomart GfK say they expect to get a state pension from their 67th birthday. However, someone who is now in their early 20s may well have to work until they turn 71.

The research also shows two out of three people have no idea how much pension they can expect and just under 50% do not know what the implications of divorce are on pensions.

The research is based on a representative sample of 1,000 people for website Wijzer in Geldzaken.