Citation, commencement and interpretation

1.-(1) These Regulations may be cited as the Automatic Enrolment (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012 and shall come into operation-

(a)for the purposes of this regulation and regulation 3(1), (2)(b) and (3) to (6), on 7th June 2012;

(b)for the purposes of regulation 3(2)(a), on 7th June 2012 immediately after the coming into operation of the provisions mentioned in sub-paragraph (a);

(c)for the purposes of regulations 2, 4(1), (2)(b) and (3) to (9) and 5, on 1st July 2012, and

(d)for the purposes of regulation 4(2)(a), on 1st July 2012 immediately after the coming into operation of the provisions mentioned in sub-paragraph (c).

(2) The Interpretation Act (Northern Ireland) 1954(5) shall apply to these Regulations as it applies to an Act of the Assembly.

Amendment of the Occupational and Personal Pension Schemes (Automatic Enrolment) Regulations

2.-(1) The Occupational and Personal Pension Schemes (Automatic Enrolment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010(6) are amended in accordance with paragraphs (2) to (27).

(2) In regulation 1(2) (interpretation) in the definition of "opt out notice" for "the Schedule" substitute "Schedule 1".

(3) For regulation 2 (enrolment information) substitute-

"Enrolment information

2. In these Regulations "enrolment information" means the information described in paragraphs 1 to 15, 24 and 25 of Schedule 2(7).".

(4) In regulation 4 (pay reference periods for the purposes of section 1(1)(c))-

(a)in the heading for "section 1(1)(c)" substitute "sections 1(1)(c), 3(1)(c)(8) and 5(1)(c)";

(b)in paragraph (1) for "section 1(1)(c) (jobholders), except in the case of person A," substitute "sections 1(1)(c), 3(1)(c) and 5(1)(c) (jobholders, automatic enrolment and automatic re-enrolment)";

(c)omit paragraphs (2) to (7).

(5) For regulation 5 (pay reference periods for the purposes of sections 20(1)(b) and (c) and 26(4)(b) and (5)(b)) substitute-

"Pay reference periods for the purposes of sections 20(1)(b) and (c) and 26(4)(b) and (5)(b)

5.-(1) The pay reference periods for the purposes of sections 20(1)(and (c) and 26(4)(b) and (5)(b) (quality requirement: UK money purchase schemes and UK personal pension schemes) are as follows.

(2) In relation to any person-

(a)the person's first pay reference period is to begin-

(i)on the first day, on or after the staging date, that a person is both a jobholder and an active member of a qualifying scheme, or

(ii)where there has been a period beginning after that first day, during which the requirements of section 1(1)(a) or (c) (jobholders) were not met but the person remained an active member of a qualifying scheme, on the day following the last day of that period, and

(b)the person's subsequent pay reference periods begin on the anniversary of the employer's staging date.

(3) The pay reference period in relation to any person ends on the day on which the person ceases to be a jobholder of the employer or ceases to be an active member of a qualifying scheme.".

(6) In regulation 9(6)(a) (opting out) for "the Schedule" substitute "Schedule 1".

(7) In regulation 12 (automatic re-enrolment dates)-

(a)in paragraph (1)-

(i)for "(2) to (4)" substitute "(3) and (4)";

(ii)in sub-paragraphs (a) and (b) for "of one month beginning with" substitute "beginning 3 months before, and ending at the end of the period of 3 months beginning with,";

(b)omit paragraph (2);

(c)in paragraph (3) for the words from "which-" to the end substitute "which the jobholder ceases to be an active member of the scheme.".

(8) For regulation 14 (jobholders excluded from automatic re-enrolment) substitute-

"Jobholders excluded from automatic re-enrolment

14.-(1) Section 5(2) (automatic re-enrolment) does not apply in the cases to which paragraphs (2) and (3) apply.

(2) This paragraph applies where, in relation to re-enrolment in a case under section 5(1), within the period of 12 months before the automatic re-enrolment date referred to in regulation 12(1)-

(a)the jobholder ceased to be an active member of a qualifying scheme because of an action or omission by the jobholder or by the employer at the jobholder's request, or

(b)the jobholder gave notice under section 8 (jobholder's right to opt out).

(3) This paragraph applies where, in relation to re-enrolment in a case under section 5(1B)(9), the jobholder has ceased to be an active member of the qualifying scheme in question because of any action or omission by the employer and the action or omission was at the jobholder's request.".

(9) In regulation 17 (information on the right to opt in to pension saving)-

(a)in paragraph (1) for "the information specified in paragraph (2)" substitute ", in writing, the information described in paragraphs 16, 24 and 25 of Schedule 2";

(b)omit paragraphs (2) and (4).

(10) In regulation 21 (information)-

(a)in paragraph (1) for "the information specified in paragraph (2)" substitute ", in writing, the information described in paragraphs 17, 24 and 25 of Schedule 2";

(b)omit paragraph (2).

(11) In Part 6 (postponement of automatic enrolment) in the heading after "Postponement" insert "or disapplication".

(12) For regulation 24 (information) substitute-

"Prescribed requirements for the purposes of section 4(1), (2) and (3)

24.-(1) A notice under section 4(1) or (2) (postponement or disapplication of automatic enrolment) given by an employer (E) to the category of E's workers specified in Column 1 of the Table must be in writing and include the information described in the paragraphs of Schedule 2 specified in Column 2 of the Table against that category.

(2) A notice given by E under section 4(3) to a worker who is a jobholder must be in writing and include the information described in the paragraphs of Schedule 2 specified in Column 2 of the Table against that category of worker.

(3) For the purposes of section 4(5), the prescribed period is the period of one month beginning with the day after the starting day.".

(13) For regulation 27 (information) substitute-

"Notice to be given under section 30(3)

27. Where the employer gives the jobholder the notice mentioned in section 30(3)(10) (transitional period for defined benefits and hybrid schemes), that notice must-

(a)be in writing;

(b)be given at any time before the end of the period of one month beginning with the employer's first enrolment date, and

(c)include the information described in paragraphs 16, 22, 24 and 25 of Schedule 2.".

(14) In regulation 29 for paragraph (a) substitute-

"(a)in regulation 6 for paragraph (1) substitute-

"(1) An employer must meet the obligation in section 3(2) (automatic enrolment) by entering into arrangements with-

(a)the trustees or managers of an automatic enrolment scheme which is a defined benefits scheme or a hybrid scheme, so that before the end of a period of one month beginning with the closure date a jobholder to whom section 3(11) applies becomes an active member of that scheme with effect from the closure date;

(b)the trustees or managers of an automatic enrolment scheme which is a money purchase scheme, so that before the end of a period of one month beginning with the closure date a jobholder to whom section 3 applies becomes an active member of that scheme with effect from the automatic enrolment date, or

(c)the provider of an automatic enrolment scheme which is a personal pension scheme, so that before the end of the period of one month beginning with the closure date the jobholder to whom section 3 applies receives information about the terms and conditions mentioned in paragraph (4).";

(aa)in regulation 6(2) and (4) for "paragraph (1)(b)", in each place it occurs, substitute "paragraph (1)(c)";".

(15) For regulation 33 (information) substitute-

"Information

33.-(1) Subject to paragraph (3), the employer of a worker who is-

(a)on the staging date both a jobholder and an active member of a qualifying scheme, or

(b)becomes both a jobholder and an active member of a qualifying scheme on a day after the staging date,

must, in accordance with paragraph (2), give the worker, in writing, the information described in paragraphs 7, 23 and 25 of Schedule 2.

(2) The information must be provided at any time before the end of the period of 2 months beginning with the date or day referred to in paragraph (1).

(3) Paragraph (1) does not apply where the worker becomes an active member of a qualifying scheme under section 3(2) (automatic enrolment), 5(2) (automatic re-enrolment) or 7(3) (jobholder's right to opt in) with effect from the date or day referred to in that paragraph.".

(16) In regulation 37 (test scheme: requirements to revalue accrued benefits and increase pensions in payment)-

(a)in paragraph (1) for "section 23(1)(b)" substitute "section 23(1)(c)";

(b)at the end of paragraph (2)(b) add "in relation to a scheme which provides for a member to be entitled to a pension commencing at the appropriate age and continuing for life".

(17) In regulation 38(2) (staged increase in appropriate age) in the first row in Column 1 of the Table for "6th April 2024" substitute "6th April 2020".

(18) In regulation 39(4)(b)(v) (requirements for meeting the test scheme standard) omit "subject to regulations 41 and 42,".

(19) After regulation 39 insert-

"Requirement for satisfying the test scheme under section 23(2)(b)

39A.-(1) The requirement relating to a sum of money which a scheme referred to in section 23(2)((test scheme) must satisfy if it is to be a test scheme is specified in-

(a)paragraph (4) in the case of a scheme described in paragraph (2), or

(b)paragraph (5) in the case of any other scheme to which section 23(2)(b) applies.

(2) A scheme referred to in paragraph (1)(a) is a scheme under which the sum of money to be made available for the provision of benefits is determined by reference to final pensionable pay.

(3) For the purposes of paragraph (2), "final pensionable pay" has the same meaning as in the rules of the scheme in question.

(4) Where this paragraph applies, the requirement in question is that the sum of money to be made available for the provision of benefits to a member must-

(a)accrue at an annual rate of at least 16% of average qualifying earnings in the last 3 tax years preceding the end of pensionable service, and

(b)be multiplied by the number of years of pensionable service up to a maximum of 40 years.

(5) Where this paragraph applies, the requirement in question is the requirement specified in paragraph (6) or (7).

(6) The requirement is that the sum of money must accrue at an annual rate of at least 16% of average qualifying earnings multiplied by the number of years of pensionable service up to a maximum of 40 years.

(7) The requirement is that the sum of money must-

(a)accrue at an annual rate of at least 8% of average qualifying earnings, and

(b)until the date on which the member attains the appropriate age, be increased as a minimum by 3.5% per annum, in addition to any increase that is required by virtue of regulation 37(2)(a).

(8) Where the employer makes a choice under paragraph (5) as to the requirement to be satisfied for the purposes of this regulation, that requirement must be satisfied in relation to all persons who are relevant members as defined by section 22(2) (test scheme standard).".

(20) In regulation 43 (modification allowing different quality requirements to be satisfied in aggregate)-

(a)in paragraph (1) for "Paragraphs (2) to (5)" substitute "Paragraphs (2) to (4)";

(b)for paragraph (3)(b) substitute-

"(b)all of the paragraph (b) quality requirements are met apart from the relevant benefit requirement ("requirement Y"), and";

(c)for paragraph (4)(b) substitute-

"(b)the extent to which requirement Y is met as a proportion of-

(i)where the requirement in subsection (4) of section 23 (test scheme) applies, the annual rate of pension specified in that subsection, or

(ii)where a requirement in paragraph (4), (6) or (7) of regulation 39A applies, the sum of money to be made available for the provision of benefits as specified in the relevant paragraph.";

(d)for paragraphs (5) and (6) substitute-

"(5) Where paragraphs (2) to (4) have effect in relation to a hybrid scheme of the relevant description, regulation 39 is to be read as if, for paragraph (5), there were substituted-

"(5) A scheme actuary or employer may not certify that a scheme satisfies the test scheme standard if the aggregate percentage referred to in regulation 43(3)(c) is less than 100 in relation to more than 10% of relevant members.".

(6) In this regulation "the relevant benefit requirement" means-

(a)the requirements in subsection (4) of section 23 where that subsection applies, or

(b)one of the requirements specified in regulation 39A where that regulation applies.".

(21) In regulation 47 (prescribed requirements for non-UK qualifying schemes)-

(a)in paragraph (1) for "a money purchase scheme" substitute "an occupational pension scheme";

(b)in paragraph (3) for "the money purchase scheme" substitute "the occupational pension scheme";

(c)in paragraph (7) for "money purchase schemes" substitute "any money purchase benefits applicable to the jobholder".

(22) After regulation 47 insert-

"Meaning of "provider"

47A. For the purposes of paragraph (b) of the definition of "provider" in section 78 (interpretation of Part), a provider is a person whose normal business includes the provision of personal pensions.".

(23) In regulation 48 (amendment of the Occupational Pension Schemes (Scheme Administration) Regulations) in substituted regulation 16 of the Occupational Pension Schemes (Scheme Administration) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1997(12)-

(a)in paragraph (1) for the words from "is 19 days" to the end substitute-

"is-

(a)where the contribution payable on behalf of an active member is paid to the trustees or managers of the scheme by means of an electronic communication, 22 days; or

(b)in any other case, 19 days,

commencing on the day following the last day of the month in which the amount is deducted from the earnings in question.";

(b)in paragraph (3)-

(i)after the definition of "automatic re-enrolment date" insert-

""electronic communication" has the same meaning as in section 4(1) of the Electronic Communications Act (Northern Ireland) 2001(13);";

(ii)in the definition of "opt out period" after "section 3(2)" insert ", 5(2) or 7(3)".

(24) In regulation 49 (amendment of the Personal Pension Schemes (Payments by Employers) Regulations) in substituted regulation 5 of the Personal Pension Schemes (Payments by Employers) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2000(14)-

(a)in paragraph (1) for the words from "is the period" to the end substitute-

"is the period of-

(a)where the contribution payable under the direct payment arrangements is paid to the trustees or managers of the scheme by means of an electronic communication, 22 days, or

(b)in any other case, 19 days,

commencing on the day following the last day of the month in which the deduction was made from the employee's earnings.";

(b)in paragraph (2) for "a jobholder" substitute "an employee";

(c)in paragraph (3)-

(i)after the definition of "automatic re-enrolment date" insert-

""electronic communication" has the same meaning as in section 4(1) of the Electronic Communications Act (Northern Ireland) 2001;";

(ii)in the definition of "opt out period" after "section 3(2)" insert ", 5(2) or 7(3)".

(25) In regulation 50(2) (due date for the purposes of section 37(3)) for "19th" substitute "22nd".

(26) The Schedule shall become Schedule 1.

(27) After Schedule 1 add Schedule 2 as set out in the Schedule to these Regulations.

Amendment of the Employers' Duties (Implementation) Regulations

3.-(1) The Employers' Duties (Implementation) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010(15) are amended in accordance with paragraphs (2) to (6).

(2) In regulation 1 (citation, commencement and interpretation)-

(a)in paragraph (1) for "1st September 2012" substitute "7th June 2012 immediately after the coming into operation of regulation 3(2)(a) of the Automatic Enrolment (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012";

(b)in paragraph (2) in the definition of "PAYE scheme" for "allocated" substitute "applicable".

(3) In regulation 2(2)(a) (application of the employers' duties to employers) after "has" insert ", or is part of,".

(4) In regulation 3 (early automatic enrolment)-

(a)for paragraph (1) substitute-

"(1) Where the conditions in paragraphs (3) and (4) are both satisfied, the employers' duties apply to an employer from the early automatic enrolment date referred to in paragraph (5).";

(b)in paragraph (2) omit ", as prescribed in the third column of the Table";

(c)in paragraph (4)-

(i)for "(within the meaning of paragraph (1))" substitute "(referred to in paragraph (5))";

(ii)omit sub-paragraph (a);

(iii)in sub-paragraph (b) for "trustee or manager" substitute "trustees or managers";

(iv)for sub-paragraph (c) substitute-

"(c)notified the Regulator accordingly in writing, at any time-

(i)where paragraph (5)(a) applies, before the date specified in the second column of the Table corresponding to that earlier date;

(ii)where paragraph (5)(b) applies, before 1st November 2012, or

(iii)where paragraph (5)(c) applies, no later than the first day of the period of one month before the date specified in paragraph (5)(c).";

(d)after paragraph (4) add-

"(5) The early automatic enrolment date is-

(a)any date in the third column of the Table which is earlier than the staging date corresponding to that employer's description;

(b)1st December 2012, or

(c)in the case of an employer of 50,000 or more persons by PAYE scheme size or any other description, one of the following dates to be chosen by the employer-

(i)1st July 2012;

(ii)1st August 2012, or

(iii)1st September 2012.".

(5) In regulation 5(a) (transitional periods for money purchase and personal pension schemes) after "4 years" insert "and 4 months".

(6) In regulation 6 (transitional period for defined benefits and hybrid schemes) after "4 years" insert "and 4 months".

Amendment of the Employers' Duties (Registration and Compliance) Regulations

4.-(1) The Employers' Duties (Registration and Compliance) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010(16) are amended in accordance with paragraphs (2) to (9).

(2) In regulation 1 (citation, commencement and interpretation)-

(a)in paragraph (1) for "1st October 2012" substitute "1st July 2012 immediately after the coming into operation of regulation 4(2)(a) of the Automatic Enrolment (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012";

(b)in paragraph (2)-

(i)in the definition of "employer pension scheme reference" for paragraph (a) substitute-

"(a)in relation to an occupational pension scheme (except a scheme established under section 67 of the Pensions Act 2008(17))-

(i)a reference given by the Regulator (R) to the trustees or managers of the scheme (T) following the provision of registrable information to R by T, and

(ii)any reference provided to the employer by T evidencing the relationship between the employer and the scheme;";

(ii)in the definition of "PAYE scheme" for "allocated" substitute "applicable".

(3) In regulation 2(2) (registration: general) for "regulations 3 and 4" substitute "regulation 3 or 4".

(4) In regulation 3 (registration: after staging date and new PAYE schemes)-

(a)in paragraph (1)-

(i)in sub-paragraph (a) for "2 months" substitute "4 months";

(ii)in sub-paragraph (b) for "3 months" substitute "4 months";

(b)in paragraph (2)-

(i)in sub-paragraph (a)-

(aa)in head (i) before "address" insert "name,";

(bb)for head (ii) substitute-

"(ii)registered companies house number where one exists or, where such a number does not exist-

(aa)the employer's industrial and provident society number;

(bb)but if the number mentioned in sub-head (aa) does not exist, the employer's registered charity number;

(cc)but if the number mentioned in sub-head (bb) does not exist, the employer's VAT registration number, if one exists;";

(ii)for sub-paragraphs (d), (e) and (f) substitute-

"(d)where the employer must arrange active membership of an automatic enrolment scheme under section 3(2)-

(i)subject to head (iii), the number of jobholders automatically enrolled with effect from-

(aa)the employer's staging date;

(bb)where sub-head (aa) does not apply and the employer has not used a deferral date(18), the date the employers' duties first apply to the employer;

(ii)if the employer uses more than one pension scheme under those arrangements, the number of jobholders who became active members of each pension scheme, and

(iii)on the deferral date-

(aa)the deferral date or the last such date where the employer uses more than one, and

(bb)the number of jobholders automatically enrolled with effect from that date;

(e)where an employer is subject to transitional arrangements under section 30(19) (transitional period for defined benefits and hybrid schemes), the number of jobholders to whom that section applies;

(f)the number of workers in an employer's PAYE scheme who, immediately before whichever is applicable of-

(i)the staging date, or

(ii)the day on which the employers' duties first apply to the employer,

were active members of a qualifying scheme or, if the employer uses more than one qualifying scheme to comply with the employers' duties, each of those schemes, and".

(5) In regulation 4 (registration: re-registration)-

(a)in paragraph (1)(a) for "2 months" substitute "one month";

(b)in paragraph (3) for sub-paragraphs (c), (d) and (e) substitute-

"(c)where the employer must arrange active membership of an automatic enrolment scheme for any worker who is a jobholder under section 5(2)-

(i)the number of jobholders automatically re-enrolled, as at the point of re-registration;

(ii)if the employer uses more than one pension scheme under those arrangements, the number of jobholders automatically re-enrolled into each pension scheme, as at the point of re-registration, and

(iii)the automatic re-enrolment date;

(d)where an employer is subject to transitional arrangements under section 30 (transitional period for defined benefits and hybrid schemes) the number of jobholders to whom that section applies;

(e)the number of workers in an employer's PAYE scheme who, immediately before whichever is applicable of-

(i)the automatic re-enrolment date, or

(ii)the point of re-registration,

were active members of a qualifying scheme or, if the employer uses more than one qualifying scheme to comply with the employers' duties, each of those schemes, and".

(6) In regulation 6 (records: employers) after paragraph (2) insert-

"(2A) Where an employer (E) gives to a person (P) employed by E a notice under section 4(20) (postponement or disapplication of automatic enrolment) that meets the requirements prescribed in Part 6 of the Occupational and Personal Pension Schemes (Automatic Enrolment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010(21), E must keep a record of-

(a)P's full name;

(b)P's national insurance number (where available), and

(c)the date E gave the notice to P.".

(7) In regulation 7(1)(b)(i) (records: trustees, managers and providers) after "section 3 (automatic enrolment)" insert "or 7 (jobholder's right to opt in)".

(8) In regulation 13 (escalating penalty notices)-

(a)in paragraph (4) after "(5)" insert ", (5A)";

(b)in paragraph (5)-

(i)for sub-paragraph (a) substitute-

"(a)paragraph (2)(a) or (b) applies, it is the relevant number except that-

(i)in the circumstances set out in paragraph (5A), the number of persons is the number of persons in the employer's PAYE scheme or schemes who are employed by the employer, or

(ii)where the circumstances set out in paragraph (5A) do not apply and in the Regulator's opinion the relevant number is not known, paragraph (7) applies;";

(ii)in sub-paragraph (b) for head (ii) and the words following that head substitute-

"(ii)where in the Regulator's opinion the number in head (i) is not known, the relevant number except that-

(aa)where paragraph (5A) applies, the number of persons is the number of persons in the employer's PAYE scheme or schemes who are employed by the employer, or

(bb)where paragraph (5A) does not apply and in the Regulator's opinion the relevant number is not known, paragraph (7) applies.";

(c)after paragraph (5) insert-

"(5A) This paragraph applies where-

(a)the Regulator is of the opinion that an employer's PAYE scheme includes (or where the Regulator is of the opinion that the employer has more than one PAYE scheme, the schemes include) persons who are not employed by the employer, and

(b)the number of persons in the employer's PAYE scheme (or where the Regulator is of the opinion that the employer has more than one PAYE scheme, the schemes) who are employed by the employer is known to the Regulator.";

(d)in paragraph (6)-

(i)after "notice" insert ", including";

(ii)in sub-paragraph (a) after "applies," insert "information";

(iii)in sub-paragraph (b) after "applies" insert ", information";

(e)after paragraph (7) add-

"(8) In this regulation "relevant number" means the number of persons within an employer's PAYE scheme or, where the Regulator is of the opinion that the employer has more than one PAYE scheme, the total number of persons within those schemes.".

(9) In regulation 14 (penalty notices: prohibited recruitment conduct)-

(a)in paragraph (3) after "(4)" insert ", (4A)";

(b)for paragraph (4) substitute-

"(4) It is the relevant number except that-

(a)where paragraph (4A) applies, the number of persons is the number of persons in the employer's PAYE scheme or schemes who are employed by the employer;

(b)where paragraph (4A) does not apply and in the Regulator's opinion the relevant number is not known, paragraph (6) applies.

(4A) This paragraph applies where-

(a)the Regulator is of the opinion that an employer's PAYE scheme includes (or where the Regulator is of the opinion that the employer has more than one PAYE scheme, the schemes include) persons who are not employed by the employer, and

(b)the number of persons in the employer's PAYE scheme (or where the Regulator is of the opinion that the employer has more than one PAYE scheme, the schemes) who are employed by the employer is known to the Regulator.";

(c)in paragraph (5)(b) before "disclosed" insert "including information";

(d)after paragraph (6) add-

"(7) In this regulation "relevant number" means the number of persons within an employer's PAYE scheme or, where the Regulator is of the opinion that the employer has more than one PAYE scheme, the total number of persons within those schemes.".

Revocations

5. Regulations 25, 26, 34, 41 and 42 of the Occupational and Personal Pension Schemes (Automatic Enrolment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010 are revoked.

Regulation 2(27)

SCHEDULESchedule to be added to the Occupational and Personal Pension Schemes (Automatic Enrolment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010

Regulations 2, 17, 21, 24,27 and 33

"SCHEDULE 2Information

1. A statement that the jobholder has been or will be automatically enrolled, automatically re-enrolled or enrolled, as the case may be, into a pension scheme to help save for the jobholder's retirement.

2. The jobholder's automatic enrolment date, automatic re-enrolment date or enrolment date, as the case may be or, for a jobholder to whom regulation 28 or 29 applies, the day or date mentioned in regulation 6 as modified by regulation 28 or 29, as the case may be.

3. The name, address, telephone number and electronic contact details of the scheme in respect of which the jobholder is or will be an active member.

4.-(1) The value of any contributions payable to the scheme by the employer and the jobholder in any applicable pay reference period.

(2) The information to be given to the jobholder under sub-paragraph (1) includes information on any change in the value of any contributions payable to the scheme by the employer or jobholder in any applicable pay reference period which will occur as the result of any changes to contributions brought about by the transitional periods for money purchase and personal pension schemes under section 29.

(3) The "value" of contributions may be expressed as a fixed amount or a percentage of any qualifying earnings or pensionable pay due to the jobholder in any applicable pay reference period.

5. A statement that any contributions payable to the scheme by the jobholder have been or will be deducted from any qualifying earnings or pensionable pay due to the jobholder.

6. Confirmation as to whether tax relief is or will be given in accordance with section 192 or 193 of the Finance Act 2004(22) (relief at source or under net pay arrangements).

7. A statement that if the jobholder, on a date, ceases to be an active member of a qualifying scheme (without the jobholder ceasing to be employed by the employer) by reason of something other than an action or omission by the jobholder, the employer must make arrangements by which the jobholder becomes an active member of an automatic enrolment scheme with effect from the day following that date.

8. A statement that the jobholder has the right to opt out of the scheme during the opt out period.

9. A statement indicating the start and end dates of the opt out period applicable to the jobholder if that information is known to the employer but if not, a statement that the opt out period is the period determined in accordance with regulation 9(2) or (3).

10. Where the opt out notice may be obtained.

11. A statement that opting out means that the jobholder shall be treated for all purposes as not having become an active member of the scheme on that occasion.

12. A statement that after a valid opt out notice is given to the employer in accordance with regulation 9(2) or (3) any contributions paid by the jobholder shall be refunded to the jobholder by the employer.

13. A statement that where the jobholder opts out the jobholder may opt in, in which case the employer shall be required to arrange for that jobholder to become an active member of an automatic enrolment scheme once in any 12 month period.

14. A statement that after the opt out period the jobholder may cease to make contributions in accordance with scheme rules.

15. A statement that a jobholder who opts out or who ceases active membership of the scheme shall normally be automatically re-enrolled into an automatic enrolment scheme by the employer in accordance with regulations made under section 5(23).

16. A statement that the jobholder may, by giving written notice to the employer, require the employer to make arrangements for the jobholder to become an active member of an automatic enrolment scheme and that the jobholder shall be entitled to employer's contributions.

17. A statement that the worker (W) may, where W is working or ordinarily works in Northern Ireland and is aged at least 16 and under 75 and is not a member of a pension scheme that satisfies the requirements of section 9 (workers without qualifying earnings), by giving written notice to the employer, require the employer to make arrangements for W to become an active member of such a pension scheme.

18. A statement that, by giving a written notice to the employer, the worker (W) may-

(a)where W earns more than the amount specified in section 13(1)(a) (qualifying earnings) (and the amount must be given) and is a jobholder and not an active member of a qualifying scheme, opt in to an automatic enrolment scheme and that the jobholder shall be entitled to employer's contributions;

(b)where W is not a jobholder, for the sole reason that W earns no more than the amount specified in section 13(1)(a) (and the amount must be given), and is not a member of a pension scheme that satisfies the requirements of section 9 (workers without qualifying earnings), require the employer to make arrangements for W to become an active member of such a pension scheme.

19. A statement where the worker is a jobholder and an active member of a qualifying scheme and, on a date, ceases to be such a member (without the jobholder ceasing to be employed by the employer) by reason of something other than an action or omission by the jobholder, the employer must make arrangements by which the jobholder becomes an active member of an automatic enrolment scheme with effect from the day following that date.

20. A statement that the employer has deferred automatic enrolment until the deferral date (and the date must be given).

21. A statement that the employer shall automatically enrol the worker into an automatic enrolment scheme if, on the deferral date, the worker is aged 22 or more but less than state pension age, the worker is working or ordinarily works in Northern Ireland, earnings of more than the amount specified in section 3(1)(c)(24) (and the amount must be given) are payable to the worker and the worker is not already an active member of a qualifying scheme.

22. A statement that the employer intends to defer automatic enrolment in respect of that jobholder until the end of the transitional period for defined benefit and hybrid schemes.

23. Confirmation that the jobholder is an active member of a qualifying scheme.

24. A statement that a written notice from the worker must be signed by the worker or, if it is given by means of an electronic communication, must include a statement that the worker personally submitted the notice.

25. Where to obtain further information about pensions and saving for retirement."

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations amend the Occupational and Personal Pension Schemes (Automatic Enrolment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010 ("the Automatic Enrolment Regulations"), the Employers' Duties (Implementation) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010 ("the Implementation Regulations") and the Employers' Duties (Registration and Compliance) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010 ("the Registration and Compliance Regulations").

Regulation 2 amends the Automatic Enrolment Regulations. Regulation 2(2), (3), (6), (9), (10), (15), (26) and (27) makes amendments to the requirements imposed on employers with regard to the provision of information. Regulation 2(4) makes changes to the meaning of "pay reference period" for the purposes of sections 1(1)(c), 3(1)(c) and 5(1)(c) of the Pensions (No. 2) Act (Northern Ireland) 2008 ("the Act"). Regulation 2(5) substitutes regulation 5 with respect to the pay reference period for the purposes of sections 20 and 26 of the Act.

Regulation 2(7) widens the period within which an employer's cyclical re-enrolment date must fall. Regulation 2(8) substitutes regulation 14 which excludes certain jobholders from automatic re-enrolment.

Regulation 2(11) and (12) amends Part 6 consequential on the substitution of section 4 of the Act by section 7(2) of the Pensions Act (Northern Ireland) 2012 (c. 3 (N.I.)) ("the 2012 Act") to make provision with regard to the information an employer must provide to workers where the employer defers automatic enrolment. Regulation 2(13) and (14) makes provision with regard to the notices which must be served with respect to deferral of automatic enrolment under section 30 of the Act.

Regulation 2(16) and (19) makes changes consequential on the substitution of section 23 of the Act by section 12(2) of the 2012 Act, with regard to the requirements to be satisfied by a test scheme. Regulation 2(17) amends regulation 38 consequential to changes to state pension age. Regulation 2(18) omits references to regulations 41 and 42 which are revoked by regulation 5.

Regulation 2(20) makes amendments to the modified quality requirements to be met by hybrid schemes. Regulation 2(21) makes amendments in relation to non-UK pension schemes to which section 25 or 27 of the Act applies. Regulation 2(22) inserts regulation 47A for the purposes of the definition of "provider" in section 78 of the Act. Regulation 2(23) and (24) makes amendments relating to the time within which contributions may be paid by electronic communication. Regulation 2(25) amends regulation 50 with regard to the due date for the payment of contributions for the purposes of section 37(3) of the Act.

Regulation 3 amends the Implementation Regulations. Regulation 3(2) changes the date those Regulations come into operation and amends a definition. Regulation 3(3) clarifies the meaning of "employer" for the purposes of regulation 2(2) of those Regulations. Regulation 3(4) amends the provisions relating to early automatic enrolment. Regulation 3(5) extends the transitional period for the purposes of section 29 of the Act. Regulation 3(6) extends the transitional period for the purposes of section 30(3) of the Act.

Regulation 4 amends the Registration and Compliance Regulations. Regulation 4(2) changes the date those Regulations come into operation and amends two definitions. Regulation 4(3) clarifies the meaning of regulation 2(2) of those Regulations. Regulation 4(4) amends the information requirements imposed on employers. Regulation 4(5) amends the time limit for registration during re-enrolment and makes technical amendments. Regulation 4(6) and (7) makes amendments relating to the record-keeping duties of employers, trustees, managers and providers. Regulation 4(8) and (9) makes changes in relation to penalties and penalty notices.

Regulation 5 revokes regulations 25, 26, 34, 41 and 42 of the Automatic Enrolment Regulations.

As these Regulations, in so far as they are made under the Pensions (Northern Ireland) Order 1995 ("the 1995 Order"), make in relation to Northern Ireland only provision corresponding to provision contained in regulations made by the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions in relation to Great Britain, the requirement to consult under Article 117(1) of the 1995 Order does not apply by virtue of paragraph (2)(e) of that Article.

An assessment of the cost to business of these Regulations is detailed in a Regulatory Impact Assessment, a copy of which has been laid in the Business Office and the Library of the Northern Ireland Assembly. Copies of the Assessment are available from the Department for Social Development, Social Security Policy and Legislation Division, Level 1, James House, 2-4 Cromac Avenue, Gasworks Business Park, Ormeau Road, Belfast BT7 2JA or from the website: http://www.dsdni.gov.uk/index/ssa/ssani-publications/ssani-pensions-publications.htm. A copy of the Assessment is also annexed to the Explanatory Memorandum which is available alongside this Statutory Rule on the website: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/nisr.