Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Shailesh Vara and Pauline Latham

Monday 2nd November 2015 Commons Chamber

[Pauline Latham (Mid Derbyshire) (Con)]

18. What assessment he has made of the effect of auto-enrolment on private sector pension saving.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Mr Shailesh Vara)]

Since the gradual introduction of automatic enrolment began in 2012, participation in workplace pension saving in the private sector has increased by 21 percentage points, from 42%, or 5.9 million workers, in 2012, to 63%, or 9.2 million workers, in 2014.

[Mr Vara]

I am happy to congratulate B&CE on its people’s pension product and the work it does. It is important that the roll-out of automatic enrolment receives as much support as possible so that people can make choices that are right for them. I also commend my hon. Friend for his excellent work, which was evident when I visited his constituency.

[Pauline Latham]

On 4 December, I will hold my second workplace pensions event in my constituency. Does my hon. Friend agree that small businesses need to advise their employees about the pension changes, and what efforts are his Department making to ensure they do?

[Mr Vara]

I congratulate my hon. Friend on her efforts in helping to spread the important message about this groundbreaking reform. I agree that small businesses need to advise their employees of the changes, which is why the Government have launched a new national communications campaign for small and micro-employers, as well as for individuals.