The number of employers offering exclusively a defined benefit pension to their employees has almost halved in five years, from 67% of companies to 37%.
Research published this morning also finds a significant increase in the number of firms closing their defined benefit scheme to new members.
The Irish Association of Pension Funds says many employees are not fully aware of the implications of defined contribution schemes.
The research was conducted by the UCD Smurfit School of Business for the IAPF and shows that more and more employers are winding down expensive defined benefit schemes.
The number of employers closing off their defined benefit scheme to new members has jumped to almost 40%. The research also found a big increase in the number of employers chipping in to defined contribution schemes - 70% are now contributing more than 5% of salary compared with 46% in 2002.
There is growing concern about a pensions timebomb, especially in the private sector. That is the term used to describe whether there is enough cash to provide a decent retirement income. With defined benefit schemes that worry rests with employers.
