Pension auto-enrolment

Changes in pension law in 2012 now mean that all eligible employees must be automatically enrolled into a workplace pension scheme. The aim of this is to help more people have another income on top of the State Pension when they retire.

This came into effect on the 1 May 2013 for Warwickshire County Council employees and applies to local Government, teaching and fire and rescue staff.

To be eligible for auto enrolment you must be:

  • Between the ages of 22 and State Pension Age
  • Earn more than £10,000 per annum as of 6 April 2014 – this includes any additional payments you receive above your basic salary e.g. overtime
  • Work in the UK

If you are not currently eligible for auto-enrolment but then meet criteria at a later date you will receive correspondence confirming that you will be auto enrolled.

Further information can be found at www.gov.uk/workplace-pensions

Please also refer to our FAQs:

Workplace pensions – automatic re-enrolment

Changes in pension law now mean that all eligible employees must be automatically re-enrolled into a workplace pension scheme every 3 years.

If you are not currently eligible for automatic re-enrolment but then meet criteria at a later date you will receive correspondence confirming that you will be auto enrolled.

There are a range of exceptions that may mean you won’t be re-enrolled. Such as if:

  • you opted out of your pension within the year leading up to the next automatic re-enrolment date which is 1 May 2019
  • you’re under notice of dismissal, resignation or retirement; or
  • your pension savings exceed the lifetime allowance and/or you have informed us of your relevant ‘protection’ from HMRC.

Please contact your employers HR department for more information.