Automatic-enrolment postponement

Postponement moves the assessment date

Automatic-enrolment postponement is an optional way to defer the pension assessment at certain statutory points, including when duties begin, when someone starts work or when a worker first meets the eligible-jobholder criteria. It does not cancel the duty.

The employer chooses a deferral date within the permitted period. Postponement can apply to one person, a group or the whole workforce, but each use must start from a permitted occasion and include the required information for the affected worker. The Pensions Regulator's postponement guidance sets the permitted dates and process.

Tell the worker what remains available

Give the postponement notice within the statutory timetable. It should state the deferral date, explain what happens then and tell the worker about their right to opt in or join during postponement.

That final point matters. A postponed worker does not have to wait silently until the deferral date. If they exercise the right attached to their worker category, the employer may need to arrange pension membership and contributions sooner. The regulator's information guide sets out what workers must be told.

Put the deferral date back into the workflow

On the deferral date, assess the worker using their circumstances and the live criteria for that period. If they are an eligible jobholder, complete automatic enrolment from that date. Postponement cannot simply roll forward for an eligible jobholder because administration is unfinished.

Keep the event that allowed postponement, the chosen date, the notice and delivery evidence with the later assessment. A calendar reminder without the underlying record is easy to miss and difficult to defend.