Your Rights as a Pension Scheme Member
If you are a jobholder aged at least 22, under pensionable age, and earning more than £10,000 from your employer, your employer must automatically enrol you into a qualifying workplace pension scheme under the Pensions Act 2008. Your scheme must also provide regular benefit statements and information about charges and governance, and you generally have the right to transfer to another scheme. Pension guidance and complaint-handling are split between separate bodies: The Pensions Regulator supervises schemes and enforces employer duties, MoneyHelper (run by the Money and Pensions Service) gives free, impartial guidance on your options, and if you have a dispute that cannot be resolved directly with your scheme, The Pensions Ombudsman — a free, independent service — can investigate and issue a binding determination without you needing to go to court. Every scheme must first operate an Internal Dispute Resolution Procedure before a complaint reaches the Ombudsman. Jurisdiction: UK-wide (auto-enrolment and TPO cover England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland).
Last updated: 2026-03-09
Your Rights
Right to automatic enrolment
If you are an eligible worker (aged 22+, earning over £10,000, working in the UK), your employer must automatically enrol you in a qualifying workplace pension scheme and contribute at least 3% of qualifying earnings.
Right to employer contributions
Your employer must contribute at least 3% of your qualifying earnings. The total minimum contribution (employer + employee) is 8%. Your employer cannot reduce your pay to offset their pension contributions.
Right to information
Your scheme must provide you with regular benefit statements, information about charges, investment performance, and the scheme's governance. For defined benefit schemes, you can request a statement of your accrued benefits.
Right to transfer
You generally have the right to transfer your pension to another scheme. For defined benefit schemes worth over £30,000, you must take independent financial advice before transferring.
Right to complain
Every pension scheme must have an Internal Dispute Resolution Procedure (IDRP). If your complaint is not resolved, you can refer it to the Pensions Ombudsman, whose decisions are legally binding.
Protection against unfair dismissal
It is automatically unfair to dismiss or disadvantage you for exercising pension rights, including joining a scheme or making contributions.
Common Myths
Your employer can opt you out of the workplace pension without your consent
Only you can opt out. Your employer commits a criminal offence if they encourage or coerce you to opt out.
If your employer goes bust, you lose your pension
Defined contribution pensions are held in a separate trust or insurance policy. Defined benefit pensions are protected by the Pension Protection Fund (PPF).
You can access your pension at any age
The minimum pension age is currently 55 (rising to 57 in 2028). Accessing pensions earlier is usually only possible through scams — beware.
What To Do
Check your pension contributions
Review your payslip and pension statements to ensure your employer is making the correct contributions.
Request a benefit statement
Ask your pension scheme for a current benefit statement showing your accrued benefits and projected retirement income.
Trace lost pensions
Use the Government's Pension Tracing Service to find pensions from previous employers.
Report employer non-compliance
If your employer is not enrolling you or paying contributions, report them to The Pensions Regulator.
Key Legislation
- Pensions Act 2008
- Pensions Act 2004
- Pensions Act 1995
- Pension Schemes Act 1993
- Pension Protection Fund
Useful Contacts
Frequently asked questions
- Who is eligible for automatic enrolment into a workplace pension?
- If you are an eligible worker aged 22 or over, earning more than £10,000, and working in the UK, your employer must automatically enrol you in a qualifying workplace pension scheme. They are legally required to contribute at least 3% of your qualifying earnings to the scheme.
- What are the minimum pension contribution rates for employers and employees?
- The minimum total contribution is 8% of qualifying earnings, split between the employer and employee. The employer must contribute at least 3% of your qualifying earnings. It is illegal for your employer to reduce your pay to offset their pension contributions.
- Can I transfer my pension to another scheme?
- Generally, you have the right to transfer your pension to another scheme. However, if you are transferring a defined benefit scheme worth over £30,000, you are required to take independent financial advice before proceeding with the transfer.
- Can my employer opt me out of a workplace pension without my consent?
- No, only you can opt out of a workplace pension. Your employer cannot opt you out without your consent. If an employer encourages or coerces you to opt out, they commit a criminal offence.
- At what age can I access my pension?
- The minimum pension age is currently 55, rising to 57 in 2028. You generally cannot access your pension before this age. Attempts to access pensions earlier are usually associated with scams, so you should be cautious of such offers.
- What should I do if my employer is not paying pension contributions?
- If your employer is not enrolling you in a pension scheme or failing to pay the required contributions, you should report them to The Pensions Regulator. They regulate workplace pension schemes and enforce employer duties.