Workplace Pension: Increasing Employee Contributions Issue

DJB90_2

Good afternoon!

Seeking a bit of advice on a workplace pension issue I currently have. More than 12 months ago I requested my employee contributions be increased from the automatic minimum it was set at when I was auto-enrolled. However, after chasing numerous times, it has taken my employer 12 months to do so, meaning my pension is short of 12 months at the higher percentage. I have queried this a number of times with the HR department who have investigated why it took so long and have admitted it was their fault. However, they have stated they have carried out their minimum obligations required and therefore do not owe me anything in terms of compensation. I believe it would be unfair for me to be expected to pay this shortfall myself due to the value, and as my employer has agreed it was their fault they should contribute the missing difference. Is anyone aware of similar cases that have occurred or would they be able to advise on if I am fighting a losing battle on this?

Any advice greatly appreciated!

craig1912

So you want your employer to pay for the contributions that you haven't paid due to then cocking up?
You haven't actually lost anything so ask if you can pay a lump sum to make it up?

DJB90_2

I've missed out on 12 months of increased contributions due to their reluctance to resolve my query. Would this not class as a loss? It's 12 months worth that I would have had they not let the issue "slip off the radar" (their words).

craig1912

You might have made a loss if they had taken the money as they should.

Presumably you have the money that should have been collected so why not ask to pay it as a lump sum

DJB90_2

Of course not. Salary sacrifice is in place for a reason and I shouldn't be expected to put the money aside each month, on the chance they may not have increased the contributions.

Marktheshark

Is this a pension ?
When does it mature ?
A Private pension is a fixed term deal know when you will get it, they have raised retirement ages 3 times in 5 years now.
You would have to be very confident to live long enough to get it the way they are going.
Personally, the best place for your cash with this bunch of crooks is on your pocket or under your bed.

craig1912

Marktheshark wrote: »

Is this a pension ?
When does it mature ?
A Private pension is a fixed term deal know when you will get it, they have raised retirement ages 3 times in 5 years now.
You would have to be very confident to live long enough to get it the way they are going.
Personally, the best place for your cash with this bunch of crooks is on your pocket or under your bed.

Think you have misunderstood big style:rotfl:

fifeken

DJB90 wrote: »

Of course not. Salary sacrifice is in place for a reason and I shouldn't be expected to put the money aside each month, on the chance they may not have increased the contributions.

You would have noticed the contributions didn't increase, so if you expected more in your pension then of course you should have put it aside.
You could then make it up by increasing future payments and living off the money put aside.

greenglide

So the contributions are by salary sacrifice?

Tell the employer to deduct the backlog from your next pay then using salary sacrifice. If this would cause you to drop below the lower earnings limit you would lose out so get them to spread it over two or more pay periods.

Whether you could get them to pay you something for lost investment gains seems unlikely.

PeacefulWaters

Demanding compensation from an employer is a dangerous game.

Logic says yes, you're entitled to something. Common sense says don't make demands of people who can fire you.

Number75

I think they should certainly increase your salary sacrifice now for x months to cover the back log.
If you haven't saved enough from the missed contributions to afford for them to temporarily take a higher amount, that is your fault not theirs.
I sympathise with lost potential gain though.