When you can take money from your pension pot will depend on your pension scheme's rules, but it's usually after you're 55. The earliest you can usually start taking a workplace pension is 55.How to plan early retirement in the UK? Compare your early retirement options and its impact on pensions. Currently, you have to wait until you're 66 to get your State Pension. In this short guide, you'll learn how much you need for early retirement, and some smart steps to calling time on your career. 'Default retirement age' (a forced retirement age of 65) no longer exists. Since 2012, UK staff have been automatically enrolled in workplace pensions. There is no legal retirement age, and employers can no longer force their employees to retire at a particular age. 'Default retirement age' (a forced retirement age of 65) no longer exists.