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

What is Reform UK's stance on pensions?

What is Reform UK's stance on pensions?

Reform UK recently held its 2025 conference at the NEC in Birmingham

Professional Adviser
clock 09 September 2025 • 5 min read
Could dashboards be the answer to Millennial pension apathy?

Could dashboards be the answer to Millennial pension apathy?

The dashboard rollout could be an inflection point

Paul Muir
clock 08 September 2025 • 4 min read
'A challenge that must be faced': Closing the gender pension gap

'A challenge that must be faced': Closing the gender pension gap

Latest DWP gender pension gap figures make 'uncomfortable reading'

Caitlin Southall
clock 05 September 2025 • 4 min read