But the single biggest issue dominating the minds of employers is, as we all know, auto-enrolment. And it is going to become even more of a preoccupation as time goes on. The fact is, despite the valiant efforts of the DWP, Nest, TPR and others to date, the big upswing in awareness across the general public is only going to really kick in from September. Whereas HR departments with staging dates in the next year or so know what is coming and understand they have got to do something about it, many are yet to move into active mode.
The single biggest issue dominating the minds of employers is, as we all know, auto-enrolment. And it is going to become even more of a preoccupation as time goes on
By the time we all come back from our summer holidays things will have changed substantially. Come September, auto-enrolment will be everywhere in the media as it becomes within touching distance. Newspapers, TV and radio will all be discussing the pros and cons of staying in or opting out. Default funds will be under scrutiny as never before. And Nest will start to enter the popular consciousness. As a result employees will start to understand what is going to happen to a percentage of their pay. HR professionals will start to realise the massive communication challenge they face.
Providers and advisers say they are ready and we have no reason to disbelieve them, and demand for the services of benefits professionals will never be higher. This is as exciting time as there has ever been to be in the employee benefits sector.