---
title: "Auto Enrolment: a requirement, not an option"
description: Auto Enrolment is now fully underway, and many companies have already staged. If your staging date is growing ever closer, these are the points to consider.
image: https://blog.shorts.uk.com/hubfs/Images/Brick%20wall%20images/Jemma%20Jenkinson.jpg
---

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# Auto Enrolment: a requirement, not an option

June Freeman - 8 November 2016

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###### Auto Enrolment is now fully underway, and many companies have already reached their staging date. For those companies who are now approaching their staging date, these are some of the points they should consider: 

- When exactly is the Staging Date?
- Have you chosen a pension scheme yet?
- What software are you going to use to automate the process? Will this integrate effectively with your existing payroll software?
- Have you put into place effective communication to let your staff know exactly how Auto Enrolment will affect them?
- Have you considered the benefits of using professionals to help you with Automatic Enrolment?  Shorts can smoothly manage your Auto Enrolment procedure to sure that you comply with legislation and avoid penalties.
- Are you going to use postponement? There are circumstances where you might look to postpone the process of Auto Enrolment but you should take advice to ensure these rules are followed correctly.

Auto Enrolment isn’t a choice. It is legislation to provide your employees with a qualifying scheme pension once the company has reached the Staging Date based on each employees eligibility.

Providing adequate time to ensure the best scheme is set up for the company is essential and should not be left until the last minute.

Shorts have dealt with many companies who have already reached their staging date, and are able to advise you through the process.  Those who fail to comply with [Auto Enrolment](https://www.gov.uk/workplace-pensions) legislation risk potential fines which are becoming ever more frequent.   If you require assistance with any element of your Auto Enrolment, or queries relating to your payroll, then please **[contact us](https://www.shorts.uk.com/contact-us/)** for more details.

![author](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/hubfs/SHORTS_04-08-22-153.jpg)

#### June Freeman

With over 25 years in payroll management, June brings extensive experience in end-to-end payrolls and compliance. June is the Payroll Manager at Shorts, ensuring accuracy, resolving complex queries, and delivering exceptional client service. Skilled in handling end-to-end payrolls of varying complexity, she has worked closely with finance, pensions, and HR teams, gaining a deep understanding of both in-house practices and client perspectives.

[View my articles](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/author/june-freeman)

 Tags: [Payroll](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/topic/payroll)

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