TPR urges advisers to get up to speed on auto-enrolment

The Pensions Regulator has contacted tens of thousands of IFAs and accountants as part of its auto-enrolment education drive.

The watchdog said intermediaries were vital to its plans to raise awareness and understanding of employers' obligations as many - particularly smaller firms - would turn to them for information.

In July, the regulator sent out almost 100,000 emails and letters to IFAs and accountants directing them to its guidance and encouraging them to sign up to a email service to keep up-to-date.

In particular, TPR is urging employers of all sizes to 'know your date', and put this in the diary to enable them to prepare for their automatic enrolment duties in good time.

These dates were pushed back by up to 23 months last week for small employers sharing Pay As You Earn schemes (PP Online, 10 August).

In the autumn, the regulator intends to carry out more direct communications to IFAs and accountants highlighting its new interactive tools.

Executive director for employer compliance Charles Counsell said: "We will be communicating with all employers directly. But we also expect that many will seek professional advice from IFAs and accountants to help them comply, especially from those which have advised them in the past.

"Therefore, we urge intermediaries: familiarise yourselves with the changes in pensions law, even if this is not normally your area, as existing or potential clients may approach you with questions."