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Workplace pensions
Most employers must enrol you automatically in a workplace pension. You and your employer both contribute.
Official links
| Official source | Applies to |
|---|---|
| GOV.UK: workplace pensions www.gov.uk/workplace-pensions | Whole UK |
Step by step
- If you are a worker aged between 22 and State Pension age, usually work in the UK and earn over the yearly minimum, your employer must enrol you automatically.
- Read the letter your employer sends: it says when you joined, who runs the scheme, how much each side pays and how to leave.
- If you want to leave (opt out), contact the pension provider. Your employer must tell you how.
- When you change jobs, the pension stays yours. Ask your providers if you can keep paying in or combine pensions.
What you need
- The enrolment letter from your employer
- Your payslips, which show your pension contributions
Common mistakes
- Opting out after the first month and expecting a refund: usually the money stays in the pension until you retire.
- Accepting pressure to opt out: your employer cannot encourage or force you to leave the scheme.
- Losing track of old pensions when you change jobs.
More in Work and tax
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- Prove your right to work
- HMRC personal tax account
- Self Assessment tax return
- National Minimum Wage and Living Wage
- Find a job
- Claim a tax refund
- Check or change your tax code
- Marriage Allowance
- Holiday entitlement and holiday pay
- Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)
- Maternity and paternity leave and pay