Pensions Reform – Update?
Workplace pension provision at Lancaster University will be extended from 1st April 2013.
- If you are currently enrolled on a workplace pension scheme, there is no immediate change. However, there may be implications if you choose at a later date to opt out of the scheme
- Workplace pension provision will now be available to casual employees
- If you have previously opted-out of a workplace pension scheme offered by Lancaster University, and you are an ‘eligible jobholder’ (under the legislation), the University is required to automatically enrol you on 1st April 2013
- Briefing will be provided for managers and their administrative staff involved with recruitment on changes to procedures for the employment of staff
Key Changes
The University Management Advisory Group (UMAG) has agreed the following changes to enable the University to be compliant with the provisions of the Pensions Act 2008:
- Eligible workers will be automatically enrolled on a workplace pension scheme from 1st April 2013
- The opportunity to join a workplace pension scheme will be extended to include casual employees (including student employees)
- To be legally compliant, the University will be required to complete a pre-employment assessment before a contract is issued, and a new employee can start work or receive payment for work
- Assessment for auto-enrolment will be delayed up to three months from the first working day for casual employees
- Monthly pay will be adopted universally for all Lancaster employees from 1st April 2013. Most staff are already paid monthly; those currently paid weekly have been individually notified in advance.
Further Information
Individual communication will be sent to each Lancaster University employee explaining how pension reform will affect you.
Frequently Asked Questions: providing information about pension reform implementation at Lancaster University.
Further Information for Managers Can be found here
Further specific advice can be obtained from Payroll & Pensions (O1524 510053)
General information is available from: