Here are some typical questions we get about auto-enrolment.

If you have any other questions about auto-enrolment or you require other Payroll support, please contact us on 0333 600 6100 - our experienced and dedicated team are ready to take your call.

As a UK employer, do I have to comply with auto-enrolment?

Most businesses will need to comply, but there are some circumstances where the only employees are directors where it can be avoided, although you still have to register with The Pensions Regulator to confirm your business is exempt.

When do I have to comply?

Existing businesses will have been informed by The Pensions Regulator of their staging date. If you are a new business, your legal duties begin on the first day that your worker starts with you. Even if you do not think you will need to put your worker into a scheme, you still have duties.

What is a staging date?

This is the date when you must start applying automatic enrolment legislation. You need to be aware that there’ll be some actions that need to be done out in advance of this date, so preparation is important. This includes, for example, ensuring you have an appropriate pension scheme.

Can I put off automatically enrolling workers?

The regulations do allow a period of postponement of up to three months that can delay assessing and enrolling workers, but you cannot delay the Staging Date, so will still need to fulfil your other duties by that date. Workers must be informed of any postponement and their rights during that time.

How do I choose a pension scheme?

It is advisable to choose a scheme that integrates with your payroll, but this must be one that meets the specific criteria relevant to fulfil your auto-enrolment duties. The IRS Payroll solutions have integrated links with a wide range of pension schemes, to reduce the administration for you.

What do I have to tell my workers?

Initially you will want to give them information about the scheme that is being put in place, how auto-enrolment works and any postponement arrangements. When they are assessed you need to inform them of the outcome of that and their rights in terms of joining your pension scheme, along with details of how they opt-out if they wish.

Which workers do I need to automatically enrol?

There are specific criteria under these rules that must be applied when carrying out the assessment. Broadly speaking, if your worker is aged between 22 and state pension age and earn over £10,000, they will be eligible to be automatically enrolled, but there will be others who may have the right to request to join your pension scheme.

Can my worker opt-out of auto-enrolment?

Once a worker has been enrolled, they do have the right to opt-out and, depending on when this is done, the contributions will be refunded in line with the schemes’ rules. You have a duty to explain the process of auto-enrolment, including how to opt-out, but you must not influence their decision on this matter.

How can I reduce the burden on my business?

You can join our payroll clients who benefit from peace of mind that the ongoing duties to assess their workers is taken care of. You can also opt to use our Auto-Enrolment Management Service, so you don’t have to worry about the administration and communication duties placed on you under these laws.