Today (as I write this on the 21st of November) there’s a new campaign starting highlighting the fact to employers that automatic enrolment, putting in place a workplace pensions and meeting their regulatory obligations is a law they shouldn’t ignore.

Involving a friendly looking fluffy monster the full video of the advert can be seen here:-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhOp8BJa2hk&feature=youtu.be

So currently the Department of Work & Pensions and The pensions regulator is on a mission…

It’s a mission which isn’t dissimilar to many professionals working in the automatic enrolment marketplace…

To help employers understand that they shouldn’t ignore their automatic enrolment obligations and to ensure that there is enough support out there to ensure that the estimated 1.8 million employers due to stage over the next couple of years do so.

One thing the advert shows is that whilst many employers believe that workplace pensions doesn’t apply to them the reality is that it does. The advert uses the example of the fact that even families employing nannies need to comply.

One thing it doesn’t mention specifically is the fines associated with non compliance.

First there’s the initial charge for non compliance of £400….

Then if an employer continues to ignore the rules there’s a daily fine of £50 for smaller employers (1 – 4 staff) and £500 a day (for employers who have between 5 – 49 staff)

I completely understand why they’ve not mentioned the fines in the ad. It seems that their approach is to encourage employers as oppose to scare them however it’s important to ensure that employers are aware of not complying with the law.

When it comes to supporting small employers we’re currently doing this in a couple of ways…

Firstly there’s AE in a Box

and then I’ve written a book. A book designed to provide nuts and bolts practical tips and guidance to employers approaching their staging date.

This book will be launched on November the 19th and will be called “Three Circles – the practical guide to automatic enrolment compliance”.

We’re launching the book at an event on the 19th November and if you’re an employer who has to deal with automatic enrolment coming up or a professional working in this marketplace you’re more than welcome to attend (you can find out more here).

So, the Department of work and pensions and the pensions regulator are on a push to ensure that all employers across the land are aware of their obligations to comply.

We’re working hard to ensure that through AE in a Box and by issuing the book we support the hundereds of thousands of employers in their duties.

This only leaves one question…

If you’re an employer, how are you going to comply?

and

If you’re a professional, how are you helping your clients?

If you need help with either don’t be afraid to ask….