MP calls for facts on work pensions

EAST Runcorn MP Graham Evans has requested figures on the number of workers auto-enrolled into a work-based pensions scheme.

Richard Harrington, work and pensions minister, told him that the figure stood at 7.1 million employees by 370,000 employers.

He said that a review was to take place, aimed at working out how to meet the needs of savers looking ahead to their retirement and the technical operation of the policy.

He has invited interested parties to provide their views by March 22, with a formal consultation to follow.

The Department For Work And Pensions review is being supported by the sector directors, Jamie Jenkins, Standard Life head of pensions strategy; Ruston Smith, Peoples’ Pension trustee director; Chris Curry, Pensions Policy Institute director; Carl Emmerson, Institute Of Fiscal Studies deputy director; Jane Vass, Age UK head of public policy; Neil Carberry, Confederation Of British Industry director for people and skills; Linda Ellett, KPMG partner in tax and pensions practice; Nigel Stanley, NEST members’ panel chairman; Jocelyn Blackwell, NOW: Pensions trustee director; and Judith Hogarth, EEF.

Auto-enrolment was introduced by the Pensions Act 2008 and requires all employers to pay certain staff into a pensions scheme.

Mr Harrington said: “I am delighted to be working with a team representing such a breadth of experience and expertise and look forward to the insight they will bring to help shape the review and any proposals.

“We will of course reach out to others as part of this review, including intermediary organisations such as employer consultants and payroll firms.”