What is Auto-Enrolment (Workplace Pension)?

Auto-enrolment is the legal requirement for UK employers to automatically enrol eligible workers into a qualifying workplace pension scheme without requiring the worker to opt in. Minimum contributions in 2025/26 are 5% from the employee and 3% from the employer, applied to qualifying earnings between the lower and upper thresholds. Workers aged 22 to State Pension age earning above £10,000 per year from a single employer are automatically enrolled; younger workers or those earning less can opt in. Employers must choose a compliant pension provider, manage ongoing re-enrolment every three years, and submit a declaration of compliance to The Pensions Regulator.