To process a join request

A join request applies to an entitled worker. They can join a pension scheme but it doesn’t have to be a qualifying scheme and you don’t have to make any employer contributions.

A join request should not be confused with an opt-in request.

  1. Process the pay run as normal until the Edit Paystage.
  2. Click on the relevant employee.
  3. Click Join.
  1. Enter the following information:
Request received Enter the date you received the join request from your employee
Pension scheme Choose the scheme the employee is to contribute to.
Pension plan or group Choose the specific pension plan or group the employee is to contribute to.
Payment source Choose the payment source relevant to the employee. This is only applicable to NEST pension schemes.
  1. Click Join.

The Edit Pay screen now displays that the employee is entitled and a join request has been received. If you want to edit their joining details, click Manage Enrolment, then click Edit Join Request, amend the required details then click Amend.

The Pensions Regulator (TPR) state that once you receive a join notice, the first day of the next tax period is the enrolment date. If the join notice is received after your payroll date, then the enrolment date is the first day of the second tax period.

For example, if you pay an employee monthly and your process date is 15 December and you receive the join notice on the 14 December. The employee’s enrolment date is set to 6 January, this is the start of the next tax month. If you receive the join notice on the 16 December, the enrolment date is 6 February, the first day of the second tax month period.

For employees you pay weekly, the start of the next period is the start of the next tax week.

Contributions are made after the employee’s enrolment date.