Can I Force My Company To Give Me A Pension?

matt4504

I know the rules are that a company over 5 people must offer some sort of pension, even if it doesn't have to contribute. I work for a large company - like 5000. Anyway, it offers a pension which it contributes for to managers and above but not workers like me. Should the company let me have a stakeholder pension through them?

I rung up to enquire but apparently they wouldn't let me join because i was the only one who's ever applied to it hence little point in setting it up for one person but isn't that unfair? I know this sounds petty as i can get a stakeholder pension anywhere but i'd prefer to just pay it through my fortnightly salary as it's easier for me etc and i plan to stay with the company a long time.

Thanks!

Matt

(p.s. i know the advice i'm getting here isn't official but everywhere govt wise is closed until tuesday )

dunstonh

I know the rules are that a company over 5 people must offer some sort of pension, even if it doesn't have to contribute. I work for a large company - like 5000. Anyway, it offers a pension which it contributes for to managers and above but not workers like me. Should the company let me have a stakeholder pension through them?

Yes. If there are 5 or more employees who do not have access to a pension scheme, then they have to offer a stakeholder pension (or equiv).

I know this sounds petty as i can get a stakeholder pension anywhere but i'd prefer to just pay it through my fortnightly salary as it's easier for me etc and i plan to stay with the company a long time.

In this case, you will probably find it a lot easier, and probably better, to arrange your own one on fortnightly contributions. Although the company has an obligation to offer it, you can see their point of view in that you would be the only one with it and that is an inconvenience to them. Plus they get to pick the provider if you force them to and that provider may not offer the best investment funds or offer the most competitive charges.