Automatic enrolment duties have not changed

With the pandemic continuing to impact businesses, The Pensions Regulator seeks to remind employers that their AE duties apply as normal. Whether you are a large employer, a new employer with one or more employees, or a business owner who employs seasonal workers, AE duties will apply. Furthermore the extension of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) will not affect these duties. TPR continues to assess and review its guidance in line with government support schemes.

Whether all or part of your staff continue or are newly placed on furlough as part of the extension of the CJRS, you have a duty to ensure that you continue to make correct pension contributions into your workplace pension on behalf of your staff. With re-enrolment deadlines on the horizon, TPR seeks to remind employers of the importance of keeping their contact details up to date so they don’t miss important messages about their AE duties.

One of the key points of focus for TPR is to protect savers, and they will continue to monitor employer compliance closely to ensure that staff receive the pensions they are entitled to. They will continue to monitor employer compliance closely to ensure non compliant employers get back on track and their staff receive the pensions they are entitled to.

TPR have published guidance for employers outlining the actions you need to take and includes information about Government’s support for employers, questions around payroll processes and pension contributions, re-enrolment requirements, what employers must do if staff ask to opt out or reduce contributions, as well as guidance for new employers.

For more information, visit www.tpr.gov.uk/employers.