Staffordshire businesses are to get the chance to find out more about radical changes in the pension rules. 

The new Auto-Enrolment system affects all limited companies from major industries to a company where there is one worker. 

Emily Jacobs, Director of Newcastle-under-Lyme based Richard Jacobs Pension and Trustee Services Ltd, will brief North Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce members of Auto-Enrolment at a seminar on Friday, 18 January. 

“There is a huge amount of confusion among businesses about Auto- Enrolment,” said Emily.  

“The scheme began in October for the largest companies and at the same time the Pensions Regulator reported that they had been inundated with enquiries. 

“This would indicate that many firms have not thought about the consequences and are only now seeking clarification. 

“Companies should plan ahead and seek advice on the options available. For example, leaving things to the last minute may mean they do not get the best deal in terns of management fees and that could have consequences in terms of how much money their workers will receive.” 

Auto-Enrolment is being introduced gradually. While the biggest employers began enrolling their employees in schemes on October 1, 2012, enrolment will start for those with less than 50 employees starting from April 2015. 

The Pensions Seminar will take place at the North Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce, Festival Park, Stoke-on-Trent, on Friday, 18 January (8am – 10am). 

Places can be booked online via the Chamber at www.nscci.co.uk/events. There will be a £10 charge for Chamber members and non-members will pay £15. 

Added Emily: “This is the biggest shake-up in our pensions in a generation and is expected to create up to nine million new savers.” 

ENDS 

For further information contact Emily Jacobs on 01782 557800. 

Notes to Editors: Richard Jacobs Pension & Trustee Services Ltd was established in 1992 and operates from offices in Water Street, Newcastle-under-Lyme. 

The company is run by Richard Jacobs, who has experience in financial services industry dating back to 1971, and Emily Jacobs a Director in the company and daughter of the founder.