Figures released recently show that unemployment is at its lowest level since 1974 when Barry White was in the charts singing, you’re the first you’re the last my everything. Unfortunately, I’m old enough to remember that record when it came out.

Many people on the left side of the political spectrum would argue that these are not “proper” jobs, zero-hour contracts, no security and little or no pension provision.

There are two types of jobs which have emerged in the last decade or so.

One comes under a general classification of “zero-hour contract” or pseudo-self-employed, not a permanent contract/temporary and so on

The other is a normal fully employed job with some job security, pension, sick pay and so on.

People in zero-hour contract type jobs are in the worst position of all because they will find it difficult to save when they do not know how much money is coming in from month-to-month.

If you’re still in your 20s, you still have time to save into a pension scheme, which should, managed properly, give you a decent fund after 30 or 40 years. The problem is, most people don’t start thinking about their retirement until they’re into their 40s and even 50s and 60s. In our twenties, we are consumed by buying a house or raising a family. You will not have time to invest in a pension fund on index tracking funds giving a 7 or 8% return to build up a sizeable retirement fund unless you start early.

If you’re in this position with only 15 or 20 years to go before you retire, you to do something a little bit more aggressive.

What is the solution? Find out more in this week’s episode…