Can a staff member who has been automatically enrolled leave the pension scheme after one calendar month?
Once staff have been enrolled into the pension scheme, they have a period of one calendar month during which they can ask to leave the scheme (this is known as opting out). The member of staff will need to complete an opt out notice and get a full refund of any contributions.
- The staff member will need to complete an opt out notice to inform you that they wish to leave.
- They can only do this in the opt out period.
- They will receive a refund of any money they have paid in – it’s as if they have never joined.
If a member of staff chooses to leave a pension scheme after one calendar month any refunding of contributions will be determined by the rules of the pension scheme and you will need to speak with your pension provider to find out what the rules are.
Find out more about your ongoing duties.
The Money and Pensions Service has produced a guide for staff who are thinking of leaving their pension scheme.