One in seven (14%) employers in the voluntary sector are still completely in the dark when it comes to auto-enrolment and their responsibilities towards employees, according to research by the Pensions Trust.
The research, which surveyed more then 700 voluntary sector organisations and social enterprises employing over 98,500 employees, also found that only 9% believe they have total awareness of the new auto-enrolment regulations and what they need to do in preparation. Meanwhile, one in seven employers (14%) still has little or no awareness of its auto-enrolment responsibilities.
The research also highlighted the assistance employers would like to see from their pension provider to ease their path into auto-enrolment. Online information, self-help tools and checklists are the most important areas of support employers are looking for, with auto-enrolment workshops and regulatory updates also popular.
Stephen Nichols, chief executive of The Pensions Trust, said: “With auto-enrolment less than a year away, it is important that all organisations are properly prepared and are fully aware of the measures they must put in place.
“Our research highlights that a large number of charitable and social sector organisations are still in the dark when it comes to getting the necessary arrangements in place, in particular those at the smaller end of the scale who have fewer employees. While smaller organisations will have more time to prepare for auto-enrolment, this does not mean they should rest on their laurels and do nothing; it is vital that all organisations, regardless of size, do what they can now to make sure they are properly prepared.
“After all, responsibility for complying with the regulations sits with employers themselves.”
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