Workplace pensions: proposed technical changes to auto enrolment

The consultation document outlines the amendments proposed to give more flexibility on pay reference periods, the automatic enrolment joining window and the form of the opt out notice. It also sets out proposals to align the contribution deadline for all new joiners and amend the Test Scheme Standard.

The consultation also sought views on:

• easements for employers providing good pension schemes
• potential future changes to remove the automatic enrolment duty where pension saving is not appropriate, or where further pension saving could result in financial detriment

The consultation was aimed at employers, pension schemes, their advisers, and providers of payroll services, but comments were welcomed from anyone with an interest in automatic enrolment.