Workplace pension automatic enrolment in 2026/27: who is enrolled and what is paid in
Published · 3 min read · Figures checked . UK rules and rates change, so check the official sources below before you act.
Many employees are put into a workplace pension automatically. This guide explains the age and earnings tests for 2026/27, the minimum contributions, how tax relief fits in, and what opting out means.
Who is enrolled automatically
Under automatic enrolment, an employer must put eligible workers into a workplace pension. GOV.UK sets out the tests: you are aged from 22 up to State Pension age, and you earn at least £10,000 a year. The government kept this earnings trigger at £10,000 for the 2026 to 2027 tax year, in a review published on 18 December 2025.
Not everyone is enrolled automatically. For example, you may not be if you have given or received notice to leave your job, or if you already belong to a qualifying pension arranged by your employer. Workers who do not meet the age or earnings tests can usually still ask to join, and the employer cannot refuse.
What is paid in
The minimum contributions are worked out on a slice of your pay called qualifying earnings. For 2026/27 this band runs from £6,240 to £50,270 a year before tax, the same as in 2025/26.
Many schemes work out contributions in other ways, such as on all of your pay, and some employers pay more than the minimum. Your payslip and scheme documents show what applies to you.
How tax relief fits in
The government usually adds money to a workplace pension as tax relief. GOV.UK gives an example in which a £40 payment from the employee, £30 from the employer and £10 of tax relief make £80 in total on one payday. How the relief is given depends on the type of scheme, so the details vary.
Opting out and re-enrolment
- You can opt out. GOV.UK says that if you do so within a month of being added to the scheme, you get back what you have paid in.
- If you opt out later, you may not get a refund, and the money usually stays in the pension until you retire.
- Your employer must automatically re-enrol you every 3 years, and can do so sooner if they choose.
GOV.UK notes that in most cases your employer also adds money to the scheme, so many people weigh that up before opting out.
Free help
If you have a question or a problem with a pension, free guidance is available from MoneyHelper and from The Pensions Regulator.
Check before you act
Thresholds and rates are reviewed each year and your own situation may differ. Please confirm the details on the official pages linked below before making any decision.
Sources
For information only. See our disclaimer and editorial standards. Spotted an error? Tell us.
