The NI Assembly Committee for Communities sought evidence to inform its position on the Pensions (Extension of Automatic Enrolment) Bill. This is a narrow piece of legislation that aims to give the Department for Communities the power to make regulations in order to make a number of changes to Automatic Enrolment.  

The provisions of the Bill would provide the Department with a power to make regulations to:

  • Reduce the lower age limit at which eligible workers must be automatically enrolled into a pension scheme by their employers.  The policy intent is to use this power to make regulations to reduce the lower age limit from aged 22 to 18; and
  • Reduce the lower qualifying earnings band or repeal the lower limit of the qualifying earnings band so that contributions are calculated from the first pound earned.

The CIPD supports both of these measures and provided an additional paper to the Committee following an oral evidence session by Charles Cotton, CIPD's Senior Reward Adviser.

Explore our related content

Policy engagement

CIPD consultation response: Low Pay Commission 2025 consultation

Our response to the Low Pay Commission consultation

raised hand woman
Policy engagement

CIPD consultation response: Equality Law

Our response to the Office for Equality and Opportunity’s call for evidence: Equality Law

two women walking through a greenhouse chatting to each other
Policy engagement

CIPD consultation response: Pensions Investment Review: Unlocking the UK pensions market for growth

Submission to the UK Department for Work and Pensions and HM Treasury

Policy engagement

CIPD consultation response: Statutory sick pay

Our response to the Department for Work and Pensions' consultation on statutory sick pay

Help us shape
public policy

PUBLIC POLICY ENGAGEMENT

Our work with public policy-makers is most impactful when it's informed by the insights, opinions and experiences of people professionals. Find out what we're currently working on and how you can get involved.

Callout Image