LONDON, 23 February 2015 – Aon Employee Benefits, the UK health and benefits business of Aon plc (NYSE: AON) has said that many major employers will need to review their options as they approach the three-year anniversary of their auto-enrolment staging date and move through the re-enrolment process.

It is now nearly three years since the first tranche of employers – the largest – had their auto-enrolment staging dates in 2012. They now face the first ‘cyclical automatic re-enrolment’ which, as with the original process, could involve extensive project management.

Clare Abrahams, head of auto-enrolment at Aon Employee Benefits, said:
“It may again be decision time for some employers, as they assess just how happy they are with the measures and providers they first put in place to deliver auto-enrolment to their workforce. While the process this time around should be less onerous than it was initially, it will still need careful planning to make certain that all the employee audiences are covered, that providers can support them with any new compliance requirements, and that the Declaration of Compliance is completed by the statutory deadline.

“And - if the current solution isn’t working the way it should - now could also be the time to consider a complete change to something that does work.”

The Pensions Regulator has set out some steps that employers need to take but Aon has some additional suggestions for employers to consider:

- Hold a thorough review of your current process – what works, what doesn’t, what might you now change?
- Is there new technology from which you could benefit?
- Are you restricted by your current providers and technology?
- Are your providers equipped to deal with re-enrolment processes and what actions might need to be taken to enable this?
- What might a completely new pension arrangement offer you?
- Does your designated date fit well with other key business dates? Should it be shifted? This timing might be particularly critical if you have weekly payrolls. 
- Do you have appropriate communications in place for the re-enrolment process?  (Note that postponement cannot be used and you may have to communicate to more than just those being re-enrolled.)
- Do you need to communicate any contribution rate changes?  Is a consultation required to implement these?
- Are you prepared for the business impact and potential increase in employer pension contributions?
- Is an appropriate process in place to accept and manage opt-outs?
- Will contractual enrolment be considered and, if so, what steps are required to make this happen?
- How will the new Declaration of Compliance be adhered to and are you aware of the statutory deadline that applies?
- Should anyone be excluded this time?

Clare Abrahams said:
“As can be seen from that list, this is not a formality for employers and will require serious thought. On the other hand, for some it will be a great opportunity to correct any issues they have had over the last three years or to fine-tune the processes they have – ultimately to the benefit of both the employer and the scheme members.”

Media Contact: 
Colin Mayes                                  Marina Jane Sanchez
Aon Hewitt                                     CNC
01372 733689                                020 3219 8811
colin.mayes@aonhewitt.com           marina.jane-sanchez@cnc-communications.com
 

Notes to editors

Simplyblue
Aon’s Simplyblue is a technology portal, combined with consultancy expertise, which helps employers prepare for, and manage, their pension duties (whether or not they have already staged).

Simplyblue has been designed to be flexible to the differing needs that employers will have for tackling auto-enrolment. However, the user interface is designed to be straight forward and easy to use, despite the complexity of the regulations.
In particular, Simplyblue software will manage the administration of the auto-enrolment process, ensuring that each employee is assessed, opted in or out, or managed through other relevant events at the correct time and on the appropriate contributions levels.  It also sends the statutory communications direct to employees.
For more information contact letstalkbenefits@aon.co.uk.

About Aon Employee Benefits
Aon Employee Benefits is the largest employee benefits consultancy in the UK. We are passionate about working with employers to deliver innovative, sustainable and engaging benefits solutions that are the best fit for our clients’ objectives and budgets. Whether you are a large corporate or SME, no matter where you are located and what industry you specialise in, our established reputation means we can negotiate the best employee benefits package for you.
We provide specialised consultancy services, design, implementation and support to our clients along with developing benefits technology solutions in-house. Our products and services include:
• Revolutionary and award-winning Bigblue. A platform that encompasses all benefits and all platforms, in one place with single sign on
• Health and risk benefits broking, consultancy and administration, including Trio, our innovative broking solution for SME clients
• Defined contribution pensions including auto-enrolment consultancy solution Simplyblue and our off the shelf proposition Littleblue
• Online reward hub Bigblue, also provides central access for employees to all areas of pay and reward
• Award-winning flexible benefits, total reward and benefit communications consultancy, technology and administration
All of the above services are provided in the UK and globally with our international benefits solutions from 500 dedicated offices in over 130 countries, encompassing 65,000 professionals.

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About Aon
Aon plc (NYSE:AON) is the leading global provider of risk management, insurance and reinsurance brokerage, and human resources solutions and outsourcing services. Through its more than 66,000 colleagues worldwide, Aon unites to empower results for clients in over 120 countries via innovative and effective risk and people solutions and through industry-leading global resources and technical expertise. Aon has been named repeatedly as the world’s best broker, best insurance intermediary, best reinsurance intermediary, best captives manager, and best employee benefits consulting firm by multiple industry sources. Visit aon.com for more information on Aon and aon.com/manchesterunited to learn about Aon’s global partnership with Manchester United