Employer won't let me increase my contribution

Shevek

I have recently started working for a new, small company (<15 employees).

I have been enrolled in a Workplace Pension, currently contributing the initial 1%/0.8%/0.2%.

I have requested to increase my contribution but have been told that they do not allow this.

Is that correct, are they allowed to stop me contributing more?

I have googled and read many pages on gov.uk sites but nothing I can find confirms either way.

TIA

Shevek

HappyHarry

It’s unusual, but I’m not aware of any rules that say an employer has to let you contribute more.

Could you not open a personal pension and contribute to that, in addition to the contributions you are making to your employer’s scheme?

Shevek

I have a SIPP from my previous employment which I believe I can continue to contribute to.

AIUI, I would have to make those contributions directly from my bank account, so wouldn't that lose all of the tax benefits of paying directly from my salary?

Shevek

Ah, I just logged in to check it and it says:

all payments made here will be considered individual contributions and basic rate tax relief will be reclaimed

LHW99

You will get the tax relief in a SIPP, but not any additional employer contributions. However, the employer / employee minimum rates are increasing shortly.
https://www.nowpensions.com/help-centre/faqs/contributions/what-are-auto-enrolment-contribution-rates
(This is from Now pensions, but it applies to all the autoenrollment ones.)

Shevek

I had seen that before but I still want to pay more than that.

My last firm had a great pension - I put in 6% and they put in 12% (it's the only thing I miss about working there :rotfl:)

I would at least like to continue my 6%

So I guess I will put 5% into my SIPP until April, then drop it to 3% after that.

Thrugelmir

Shevek wrote: »

I have recently started working for a new, small company (<15 employees).

At a guess. From the employers perspective the administration cost is unwarranted. Given the small number of employees.

xylophone

Which auto enrolment scheme are you in?

Shevek

It is NEST

Brynsam

Shevek wrote: »

It is NEST

Log in to your account with NEST and you can make extra contributions direct.

Mnd

Agreed, I'm with nest and made additional contributions, also my wife is with the people's pension and we pay extra into that as well