Smallest firms hit by higher pension costs

Startups and the smallest businesses are having to absorb higher pension costs as the new tax year gets under way.

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) warned that the doubling of minimum employer contributions into workplace pensions from 6 April 2018 will “hit the very smallest firms and startups the hardest”.

Firms in labour-intensive industries – such as retail, childcare and construction – will reportedly feel the impact most acutely.

The FSB claims these sectors are already beset by high inflation and skills shortages, with further auto-enrolment increases due to come into force next year.

From 6 April 2019, employer contributions will rise to 3% and the total amount going into workplace pensions is expected to pass £17 billion around the same time.

For further information on Auto Enrolment, please contact James Alesbury on 023 8046 1222.