The law on workplace pensions has now changed and every employer must comply. UK employers have to automatically enrol all eligible members of staff into a workplace pension and pay a minimum contribution in to the fund. Even if you already offer pension arrangements, you will still have new obligations to meet.

It is vital that you are fully prepared ahead of your staging date as the new scheme is already proving more popular with employees than expected. An increasing number of employees recognise the need to start saving for their retirement.

The Pensions Regulator will write to you 12 months before your automatic enrolment start date, then again at 3 months before, to advise you what you need to do.

It is never too early to start seeking advice on your options and preparing for the costs and administration to ensure that everything goes to plan when your start date arrives.

So start now, by following these simple steps: -

• Nominate a main contact within your firm who will take responsibility for managing all correspondence from The Pensions Regulator

• Find out your staging date, by using the calendar on The Pensions Regulator website - http://www.thepensionsregulator.gov.uk/employers/what-is-my-staging-date.aspx

• Create an action plan, listing what needs to be done and when

• Know your workforce – who will need enrolling?

• Raise awareness to your employees

• Find a provider and choose a pension scheme that complies with the auto-enrolment requirements

• Review your administration and payroll systems to ensure they will be able to accommodate the changes.

There are two routes to find a pension scheme that best suits your requirements - Private schemes and the Government scheme, NEST. To help you decide on the most suitable type of qualifying pension scheme, you should seek professional advice.

Please contact us should you need assistance in reviewing your systems and assessing your payroll needs.