Auto-Enrolment Pension Support for Small Businesses

Auto-enrolment is a legal requirement for employers in the UK, but the rules can be complex—especially for small businesses that are already managing a lot. At JDH, we help you meet your obligations confidently and stay fully compliant, so you can focus on running your business rather than deciphering pension legislation.

Because pensions and payroll are closely connected, our service integrates smoothly with our full Payroll Services offering.

Who Must Be Auto-Enrolled?

Employers must automatically enrol workers who meet the following criteria:

• Age: Between 22 and State Pension age

• Earnings: At least £10,000 per year from a single job

• Employment Status: Employed under a contract of employment (not self-employed)

• Work Location: Ordinarily work in the UK

This means that most businesses running payroll—even with just one or two employees—are likely to have auto-enrolment responsibilities.

What Our Auto-Enrolment Pension Service Includes

We manage the complexities of auto-enrolment on your behalf, ensuring a smooth, compliant process from start to finish. Our support includes:

• Managing opt-ins and opt-outs, ensuring employees’ choices are processed correctly and within required timeframes.

• Understanding postponement rules, and applying them appropriately where permitted.

• Ensuring contributions are accurate and paid on time, helping you avoid costly penalties.

• Setting up the right pension scheme for your business, aligned with requirements and best practice.

• Helping employees understand their status—whether they are Eligible, Non-Eligible or Entitled workers—and what rights and options they have.

• Providing clear employee communications, including statutory information about the pension scheme.

• Submitting the Declaration of Compliance when due, ensuring your duties are fulfilled.

• Re-submitting the Declaration of Compliance every three years as required.

• Helping you avoid penalties, using proactive monitoring and trained oversight. (See case study below.)

Pensions Compliance Made Simple

Auto-enrolment may feel daunting, but you don’t have to manage it alone. Our expert team ensures everything is completed correctly and on time, helping you stay compliant and giving your employees the support they deserve.

Case Study: Ignoring Pension Letters Cost a Small Business £3,500 in Fines

A small business reached out to us after falling behind on their auto-enrolment pension duties. They had ignored several pension communications, assuming the letters weren’t urgent or didn’t apply to them. Unfortunately, this led to daily fines of £500 from The Pensions Regulator.

When they contacted us, just one week’s fines had already accumulated to £3,500—a significant burden for a small business with only a few employees. Immediately, we stepped in, reviewed their situation, and implemented all necessary corrections. Within a week, the business was fully compliant, and the fines stopped.

This experience clearly shows what can happen when deadlines and rules are overlooked. By relying on our expertise, the client avoided further financial penalties, saved time, and gained peace of mind. In the end, the fees paid for professional accounting support were far lower than the fines, highlighting why expert guidance is essential for navigating the complexities of auto-enrolment pensions.