Workplace pensions – unpaid pension contributions

Today The Pensions Ombudsman (TPO) in collaboration with MoneyHelper and The Pensions Regulator (TPR) publishes a new factsheet “Workplace pensions – unpaid pension contributions”.  

This factsheet looks to provide customers with a clearer understanding of what to do if their employer is not paying contributions into their workplace pension scheme. The factsheet is designed to signpost customers to the organisation(s) that are best placed to assist them if customers cannot resolve their concerns with their employer.

In many instances concerns can be resolved with a clear explanation of how pension contributions are calculated and when they should be paid into a workplace pension. However, where the matter remains unresolved, an individual may want to report their employer to TPR if it is not complying with the law and/or make a complaint to TPO who can investigate the complaint and provide a remedy if the employer is found to be at fault. More details of the respective roles of the MoneyHelper service, TPR and TPO are set out in the factsheet.

Claire Ryan, Legal Director at The Pensions Ombudsman said:
“Listening to customers who have contacted The Pensions Ombudsman, it became apparent that the customer journey was not clear and so together with The Pensions Regulator and MoneyHelper, we have worked to create this informative factsheet. We hope to further strengthen our coordinated communications processes to enhance a smoother customer journey.”

Mel Charles, Director of Automatic Enrolment at TPR:
“The factsheet launched today provides savers with important information about where they can access support or report concerns if they are worried they are not receiving the pensions they are entitled to. TPR works to ensure employers are compliant with their workplace pensions duties and will take enforcement action where appropriate so savers receive the correct pensions contributions on time.”

Charlotte Jackson, Head of Guidance Services and MaPS wide Customer Protection:
“Our pensions experts on the MoneyHelper helpline have received calls from a number of people concerned that their employers may not have paid contributions into their pension. We know this is very distressing. MoneyHelper is here to help. We can talk through how the scheme works and, if there is a problem, what this means for you and how to take this up with the Pensions Regulator and/or The Pensions Ombudsman.”