Fixed Pension Protection and Auto-Enrolment

The key point: Auto-Enrolment still applies to you

Having Fixed Protection does NOT remove your employer's obligation to auto-enrol you. This is a common misconception that can lead to serious problems.

Under auto-enrolment legislation, if you meet the eligibility criteria, Nasa must enrol you into the workplace pension scheme regardless of whether you have any form of pension protection.

Why this matters so much

Fixed Protection and Enhanced Protection can be permanently lost if you make any contributions to a money purchase pension scheme after your protection date. This includes:

• Your own contributions to the workplace pension
• Nasa's employer contributions on your behalf
• Any other pension contributions you make elsewhere

Once protection is lost, it cannot be reinstated - even if you immediately stop contributing.

What you must do to protect your Fixed Protection

Step 1: Alert Us Immediately

If you have Fixed Protection or Enhanced Protection, tell our Pensions team before your auto-enrolment date (normally 3 months after starting). Don't wait - timing is critical.

Step 2: Provide Documentation

Send us a copy of your protection certificate from HMRC. We need this to understand your specific situation and protection date.

Step 3: Opt Out Strategically

You'll need to opt out of the workplace pension within one month of being notified of the enrolment. This is your legal right and protects your Fixed Protection status.

💡Important: You cannot be "excluded" from auto-enrolment, but you can opt out quickly after enrolment without affecting your protection.

The process we'll follow ✅

1. We auto-enrol you - we have to - it's the law.
2. NOW Pensions will contact you with your membership details and info about opting out.
3. You opt out within the one-month window - this is 30 days from receipt of your enrolment notice email from NOW Pensions, not 30 days from the first deduction.
4. We process your opt-out and refund any contributions made on your first payroll following your opting out.
5. Your protection remains intact - if you opt out within your 30-day short service window, you will be treated as if you never joined the scheme in the first place.

Need Help?

If you have any form of pension protection, contact our Pensions team at  pensions@nasagroup.co.uk immediately. We'll work with you to ensure your protection isn't compromised while meeting our auto-enrolment obligations.