Blog: Decent pensions are not a political trading chip

In what cynics would have called inevitable, the government yesterday backed down on auto-enrolment plans.

clock

In what cynics would have called inevitable, the government yesterday backed down on auto-enrolment plans.

Pensions minister Steve Webb announced auto-enrolment will be delayed by a year for all businesses with fewer than 50 employees, and firms with up to 3,000 employees could also have their staging dates pushed back. Employer groups have long argued for exemptions for small businesses, delays and reduced contribution minimums for their members, citing the squeeze on business caused by the recession as their reasoning. The government could not build its entire mandate on stimulating the economy and then place a huge burden on businesses. Webb has said auto-enrolment will still go ahea...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Pensions

Govt moves to tackle gender pension gap with LPGS scheme changes

Govt moves to tackle gender pension gap with LPGS scheme changes

Reforms follow consultation on access and fairness in the Local Government Pension Scheme

Jonathan Stapleton
clock 03 February 2026 • 2 min read
Britain's pension ambition is rising - just as cash resilience slips

Britain's pension ambition is rising - just as cash resilience slips

'2026's 'pension resolution' wave is real. But so is the cash-cushion squeeze'

Phillip Wickenden
clock 02 February 2026 • 6 min read
Government again rejects Waspi compensation after review

Government again rejects Waspi compensation after review

DWP: Creation of compensation scheme would be ‘highly impractical’ and ‘time-consuming’

Martin Richmond
clock 29 January 2026 • 3 min read