CIPP survey on the need for a basic automatic enrolment assessment tool

27 April 2015

The Pensions Regulator (TPR) has launched a consultation on whether to provide a basic automatic enrolment assessment tool aimed at employers who use HMRC’s Basic PAYE Tool.

While using payroll software is not an automatic enrolment requirement, the regulator’s experience indicates that using appropriate payroll software helps employers to comply. However, this runs alongside research that indicates half of employers with fewer than nine staff would be unwilling to pay to upgrade their software for automatic enrolment.

Employers who use BPT and advisers acting on their behalf have also demonstrated unwillingness to purchase or use free payroll software available in the market place. The regulator is now seeking views on whether a basic assessment tool is necessary, and also on the proposed functionality a new tool might include. Interestingly, although the tool is aimed at those who use BPT, it would also be available for other employers to use.

The CIPP has created a survey to collect your views on the proposed tool. The survey should take around 10 minutes to complete and will close on 14 May. Thank you very much for your help.

• CIPP policy and research