A significant number of Britons are choosing to sort out their debt problems rather than saving the money for their pensions, according to a new study.

The analysis carried by Fidelity International shows that Britons were Britons were putting more effort on repaying their debts despite the growing recession.

Industry insiders say that the report has raised concern whether UK consumers view taking out a life insurance policy as less of a priority. Fidelity International has called on Britons to think of pension savings as “non-negotiable”.

Last week the firm published figures showing that a typical 25-year-old is likely to add £175,000 to his or her pension pot particularly if they begun saving now, rather than in 2012.

Commenting, Julian Webb, head of UK defined contribution pensions at Fidelity International, said: “At the moment people are focusing on reducing debts, which is very sensible, but I'd urge people to bear in mind that retirement is non-negotiable - we can change the date but it will still happen.

Webb further commented: “Anyone who starts providing for it early in life will generally do better than someone who waits until later on. This can work with even relatively modest sums of money.”

In Scotland however, 64 per cent of over-45s north of the border have not changed their savings or spending habits. Additionally, pensions specialist, The Hartford added that the group had not reviewed their retirement plans recently.