Menu
20/09/2023
Workers To Inform Changes To Pension Scheme
Workers and employers have been asked to give their opinion on a proposed extension of Automatic Enrolment on workplace pension schemes.
The Department for Communities (DfC) has launched a 12-week consultation on a draft Equality Impact Assessment. Currently eligible workers must be automatically enrolled in a pension scheme by their employers from the age of 22.
The 12-week consultation sets out two key proposals, namely:
• To seek powers to lower this age limit. Lowering the age at which workers will be automatically enrolled will help make saving the norm for young adults and enable them to save from the start of their working lives; and
• to reduce or abolish the Lower Earnings Limit. In 2022/23, contributions are required to be made on earnings between the Lower Earnings Limit of £6,240 and the Upper Earnings Limit of £50,270. Reducing or abolishing the Lower Earnings Limit will enable those on lower earnings and multiple jobs to save from the first pound earned and to benefit from employee contributions on each pound earned.
The proposals will require a Northern Ireland Assembly Bill to be taken forward. They will not result in any immediate change but will give an incoming Minister powers to make regulations following a period of consultation on the implementation approach and timing.
The Department for Communities (DfC) has launched a 12-week consultation on a draft Equality Impact Assessment. Currently eligible workers must be automatically enrolled in a pension scheme by their employers from the age of 22.
The 12-week consultation sets out two key proposals, namely:
• To seek powers to lower this age limit. Lowering the age at which workers will be automatically enrolled will help make saving the norm for young adults and enable them to save from the start of their working lives; and
• to reduce or abolish the Lower Earnings Limit. In 2022/23, contributions are required to be made on earnings between the Lower Earnings Limit of £6,240 and the Upper Earnings Limit of £50,270. Reducing or abolishing the Lower Earnings Limit will enable those on lower earnings and multiple jobs to save from the first pound earned and to benefit from employee contributions on each pound earned.
The proposals will require a Northern Ireland Assembly Bill to be taken forward. They will not result in any immediate change but will give an incoming Minister powers to make regulations following a period of consultation on the implementation approach and timing.
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 November 2024
Minister Murphy Raises Economic Concerns in London
Economy Minister Conor Murphy today raised a number of key economic issues with British Government Ministers during a visit to London.
Minister Murphy Raises Economic Concerns in London
Economy Minister Conor Murphy today raised a number of key economic issues with British Government Ministers during a visit to London.
02 March 2006
Derry postal workers threaten industrial action
Following the two-week unofficial postal strike in Belfast, there are fears that postal workers in Londonderry may take a similar action if a row with Royal Mail is not resolved. The row relates to proposals which are likely to change the way staff carry out their jobs and receive payment.
Derry postal workers threaten industrial action
Following the two-week unofficial postal strike in Belfast, there are fears that postal workers in Londonderry may take a similar action if a row with Royal Mail is not resolved. The row relates to proposals which are likely to change the way staff carry out their jobs and receive payment.
25 June 2010
Call For Lower Drink-Drive Limit
Local doctors are calling for the Stormont Executive to consider lowering the drink drive limit to "save lives". Following this week's Daíl legislation reducing the legal blood-alcohol level from 80 to 50mg, Northern Ireland doctors said today that the law should be changed here too.
Call For Lower Drink-Drive Limit
Local doctors are calling for the Stormont Executive to consider lowering the drink drive limit to "save lives". Following this week's Daíl legislation reducing the legal blood-alcohol level from 80 to 50mg, Northern Ireland doctors said today that the law should be changed here too.
24 November 2011
NI Workers 'Are Earning More', Says Report
Average earnings in Northern Ireland are on the up - despite the recession. Figures released on Wednesday showed NI full-time weekly private sector earnings increased by 3.5% over the year compared to 0.8% in the UK as a whole. This resulted in a narrowing of the NI-UK private sector pay gap (by 2.2 percentage points) to 82.8% at April 2011.
NI Workers 'Are Earning More', Says Report
Average earnings in Northern Ireland are on the up - despite the recession. Figures released on Wednesday showed NI full-time weekly private sector earnings increased by 3.5% over the year compared to 0.8% in the UK as a whole. This resulted in a narrowing of the NI-UK private sector pay gap (by 2.2 percentage points) to 82.8% at April 2011.
10 February 2014
Snow Predicted For Mid-Week
The Met Office has issued a weather warning for Northern Ireland this week. It has said that cold conditions are set to continue, bringing with it the risk of sleet and snow. Temperatures will fall to just above freezing, but will feel much colder.
Snow Predicted For Mid-Week
The Met Office has issued a weather warning for Northern Ireland this week. It has said that cold conditions are set to continue, bringing with it the risk of sleet and snow. Temperatures will fall to just above freezing, but will feel much colder.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
