Germans, French and Spanish Adults Oppose Working Past Retirement Age for Larger Pensions While American, British and Italian Adults Support Idea

ROCHESTER, N.Y.--(Business Wire)--
As the economic crisis continues around the globe, adults in the five largest
European countries and the U.S. have different ideas about what it will mean for
their retirement and their pensions or retirement savings. Seven in ten Germans
(71%) and majorities of French (54%) and Spanish (53%) adults would oppose the
idea of working beyond the current state pension/social security age to receive
a larger pension while two-thirds of Americans (66%), three in five Britons
(61%) and Italians (59%) would support such this idea.

These are some of the findings of a Financial Times/Harris Poll conducted online
by Harris Interactive® among a total of 6,332 adults aged 16-64 within France,
Germany, Great Britain, Spain, and the United States and adults aged 18-64 in
Italy between April 29 and May 6, 2009.

Looking at what people will rely on for income during retirement, three-quarters
of Spaniards (74%) and majorities of German (59%), French (56%) and Italian
adults (52%) will rely on the state pensions. Two in five British adults (39%)
will rely on their private pensions while one-third (32%) will rely on the state
pension. Americans are more divided as one-third will rely on social security
(32%), one-third will rely on private pensions (32%) and 26% will rely on other
investments.

One question is who should be responsible for providing a secure income for
individuals during retirement. Seven in ten Spaniards (69%) and 51% of Italians
say the state/government should have the main responsibility. Majorities of
Americans (54%), French (53%), and half of British adults (50%) as well as a
plurality of Germans (46%) believe that the state, employers and individuals
should all have equal responsibility for providing a secure income during
retirement.

Two possible ways of boosting pensions would be to pay higher taxes and/or for
people to accept lower pay now. Strong majorities (between 73% and 89%) in all
six countries are opposed to the idea of paying higher taxes and even stronger
majorities (between 78% and 92%) are opposed to the idea of having less pay in
order to receive a bigger pension when they retire.

There is a level of concern among people when it comes to their retirement and
the robustness of income during that time. Three in five Americans (59%) say,
compared to 12 months ago, they are more concerned about the robustness of their
income as do half of Spanish (50%), French (50%) and Italian (49%) adults as
well as 47% of British adults. Over half of Germans (54%) say they have the same
level of concern as a year ago on this while 38% are more concerned.

So What?

The dream of a retirement at 65 (or earlier) with no concerns over money is long
gone for many people world-wide. Some of this started even before the current
global economic crisis, but that has just deepened the concern for many who are
beginning to think about ending the daily grind of going into an office or job.
While there is a shared responsibility for providing a secure retirement income
the government is looked to in countries as the entity mainly responsible for
this. As more doubt the government`s ability to provide for them, whether
through state pensions or social security, the need for solutions will grow. If
none are provided, concern may turn into anger.

The Harris Poll®#53, May 27, 2009
By Regina A. Corso, Director, The Harris Poll

Methodology

This FT/Harris Poll was conducted online by Harris Interactive among a total of
6,332 adults aged 16-64 within France (1,077), Germany (1,007), Great Britain
(1,126), Spain (1,030) and the United States (1,052), and adults aged 18-64 in
Italy (1,040) between 29 April and 6 May 2009. Figures for age, sex, education,
region and Internet usage were weighted where necessary to bring them into line
with their actual proportions in the population. Propensity score weighting was
used to adjust for respondents` propensity to be online. Full data tables and
methodology are available at www.harrisinteractive.com.

These statements conform to the principles of disclosure of the National Council
on Public Polls and of the British Polling Council.

About Harris Interactive

Harris Interactive is a global leader in custom market research. With a long and
rich history in multimodal research, powered by our science and technology, we
assist clients in achieving business results. Harris Interactive serves clients
globally through our North American, European and Asian offices and a network of
independent market research firms. For more information, please visit
www.harrisinteractive.com.

Harris Interactive Inc. 5/09

Press:
Harris Interactive
Corporate Communications
585-272-8400
press@harrisinteractive.net

Copyright Business Wire 2009