Under UK law, eligible workers must be automatically enrolled into a workplace pension scheme. 

You will be enrolled if you: 

• Are aged between 22 and State Pension age 

• Earn above the qualifying earnings threshold 

• Are working in the UK under your contract 

Sapphire’s workplace pension provider is Smart Pensions, and they will send you an email within a week  of your first payment with Sapphire with full details. If you are not able to locate this email you can find a copy of the email in the Smart Pensions portal here.

You can log into your Smart Pension portal by clicking here using the details provided in your welcome letter.   

The overall contribution is 8%, which is made up of a 3% employer contribution and 5% employee contribution. 

Yes. Automatic enrolment is a legal requirement under UK pensions legislation, and Sapphire is required to comply with these obligations. 

The amount depends on your qualifying earnings and pension contribution rates. The contributions will be clearly displayed on your pay slip. You can see an example by viewing our pay slip guide 

No. While enrolment is mandatory, staying in the scheme is your choice- you can opt out if you wish but only after you have been enrolled. Smart Pensions will confirm the process for opting out in their communication to you. 

Yes, you can opt back in at any time by contacting the pension provider or Sapphire.

No. If your employment with Sapphire continues, your pension remains active and contributions will resume when you are paid again (subject to eligibility).

Yes. Under UK law, eligible workers are re-enrolled approximately every three years, even if they have previously opted out.

Your pension remains yours. Contributions stop if you are no longer paid, but your pension pot stays invested with the provider.

Yes. You may choose to make contributions to a private or personal pension in addition to your workplace pension, subject to your own financial circumstances and applicable tax rules. 

The workplace pension is part of a statutory enrolment requirement for eligible workers and includes employer contributions. 

If you already have a private or personal pension, you may wish to consider how these fit with your overall financial arrangements. However, any decision to opt out of the workplace pension is a personal choice and should be made based on your individual circumstances.

Yes. If you already have a private or personal pension (such as a SIPP), Sapphire may be able to facilitate contributions directly into your chosen pension provider.  

Where this arrangement is used, contributions are typically made via a salary sacrifice setup, subject to eligibility and agreement. 

Contributions to a private pension can be arranged using a salary sacrifice agreement. This involves reducing your gross pay in exchange for pension contributions made on your behalf.  

This method may provide tax efficiencies in line with current legislation; however, individual outcomes will depend on personal circumstances. 

Sapphire may charge an administration fee for facilitating contributions into a private pension arrangement.  

Any applicable fees will be explained to you before the arrangement is put in place

Yes. Sapphire can provide access to independent financial planning professionals who can support you in setting up a pension arrangement suitable for your circumstances.  

Any advice provided will be independent, and you should consider whether to seek regulated financial advice based on your individual needs. If you would like us to arrange a free consultation with an advisor, please email support@sapphireorg.co.uk or book in direct using this link: Select a Date & Time – Calendly 

Sapphire can provide access to independent financial planners who may assist in reviewing your existing pension arrangements.  

This may include reviewing multiple pension pots and, where appropriate, consolidating them into a single arrangement to support ease of management. 

Where contributions are made via salary sacrifice, the contribution amount must usually be agreed in advance as a fixed amount or percentage.  

Changes to contribution levels may only be permitted where there is a significant change in your personal circumstances 

Pension contributions are subject to annual limits under UK tax legislation. If contributions exceed these limits, you may not receive the same tax benefits. 

The maximum allowances can be found on the HMRC website.  

Sapphire can provide access to independent financial planning professionals who can help you understand the available options.  If you would like us to arrange a free consultation with an advisor, please email support@sapphireorg.co.uk or book in direct using this link: Select a Date & Time – Calendly 

Any decision regarding pension arrangements should be based on your individual circumstances, and you may wish to seek independent financial advice