Preparing Your Business for Auto-Enrolment – How UHY FDW Can Support You
- nicolamernagh0
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
The arrival of auto-enrolment pensions in January 2026 is more than just a policy change, it’s a new way of working for every employer in Ireland. From payroll adjustments and HR updates to new compliance requirements, businesses will need to be ready to manage their responsibilities.
While the scheme will make it easier for employees to save for retirement, it also places fresh obligations on employers. That means planning ahead now is essential. At UHY FDW, we’re here to help you understand what’s changing and to support you in making the transition as smooth as possible.
Employer Considerations
There are several areas employers should focus on before auto-enrolment goes live:
Eligibility checks: Review with providers to confirm who falls within the scheme.
Higher rate taxpayers: Be prepared to support staff who may be better served by existing workplace schemes.
New joiners: Contracts may need updating to reflect new pension obligations.
Education: Employees not already in a pension scheme will need clear, practical guidance.
Communication: Even if you only employ one person, you must provide access to a workplace pension.
Budgeting: Factor in the rising cost of employer contributions, starting at 1.5% and increasing to 6% by year ten.
HR Preparation for AE
HR teams will be central to making auto-enrolment work. Key steps include:
Workplace assessment: Review age, salary, and retirement arrangements across your workforce.
Future planning: Consider hiring plans and workforce needs.
Cost impact: Assess the effect of contributions and administrative costs on payroll.
Scheme strategy: Decide whether to maintain, merge, or remove existing workplace schemes.
Compliance and admin: Prepare for added reporting, training, and communication responsibilities.
Updating Policies & Procedures
Auto-enrolment will also require updates to core HR policies and processes:
Absence and leave policies: Clarify how contributions are handled during these periods.
Probation and notice periods: Adjust to reflect obligations for contributions.
Documentation: Update forms such as recruitment forms, appraisal templates, absence reports, return to work forms, and exit interviews.
Clear policies will not only ensure compliance but also help avoid confusion during the transition.
Ongoing Employer Responsibilities
Once auto-enrolment is in place, businesses will need to:
Monitor and ensure compliance.
Regularly review their auto-enrolment scheme.
Provide ongoing education and support for employees.
Stay informed about legislative changes.
How UHY FDW Can Support You
At UHY FDW, we understand the scale of this change and the pressures it places on employers. Our role is to make the process straightforward and give you confidence that your business is fully prepared.
We can:
Review your workforce and highlight who will be affected.
Check payroll readiness to ensure systems can handle new contributions.
Advise on budgeting and cost planning, helping you manage the phased increases.
Support HR teams in updating contracts, policies, and employee communications.
Guide employee education, so staff understand what auto-enrolment means for them.
Provide ongoing compliance reviews, keeping your business aligned with evolving legislation.
Auto-enrolment is coming, and while it promises to strengthen retirement savings across Ireland, it also places significant responsibility on employers. The businesses that plan ahead now will be the ones best placed to adapt quickly and with minimal disruption.
At UHY FDW, our payroll, HR, and advisory experts are here to guide you through every stage, from planning and preparation to implementation and ongoing compliance.
To find out how we can support your business with auto-enrolment, contact any member of our Payroll team at UHY FDW.
Source: gov.ie
Source: citizensinformation.ie
