Auto-enrolment applies to employees aged 22 to state pension age earning over £10,000 per year, with duties starting from your staging date.

Minimum contributions: 8% of qualifying earnings, with at least 3% from employers and 5% from employees, though you can pay more.

Tax relief: Employee contributions benefit from tax relief, and employer contributions are tax-deductible as a business expense.

Deadlines: You must complete assessments and enroll eligible staff promptly, with ongoing duties like re-enrolment every three years.

Penalties: Fines for non-compliance can be significant, so accurate record-keeping is essential to avoid HMRC investigations.

Options for small businesses: Schemes like NEST or provider pensions simplify setup, especially for new companies in Oldham.

Calculating contributions: Use pensionable earnings, which typically include salary, bonuses, and overtime, excluding some elements like benefits in kind.

Record-keeping: Maintain records for six years, including opt-ins, opt-outs, and contribution details, to prove compliance if needed.

Communicating with employees: Provide clear information about the pension scheme, contributions, and their options, as required by law.

Reviewing schemes: Regularly assess your pension setup to ensure it remains cost-effective and meets changing business needs.