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Auto-enrolment explained — workplace pensions and your contributions

Auto-enrolment is a UK legal requirement introduced in 2012 that obligates employers to automatically enrol eligible workers into a workplace pension scheme and contribute to it.

Who is eligible

Workers aged 22 to State Pension age, earning more than £10,000 per year, and working in the UK. Workers can opt out, but will be re-enrolled every three years.

Minimum contributions (2024–25)

Many employers match additional employee contributions above the minimum — always contribute enough to get the full employer match. It is the closest thing to free money in personal finance.

How to maximise your workplace pension

Increase your employee contribution to get the maximum employer match. Combine old pension pots through the government's pension tracing service. Use our free understanding pensions guide and investment tracker.