Questions and Answers
Opting out of a workplace pension – what happens in the future?
My employer has written to me about joining the work pension scheme. If I do nothing, they will automatically enrol me. I’m just looking at my options and cashflow. If I were to opt out, what would happen in the future?
Last updated 15 Jul 2026 | First published 11 Aug 2017
By Helen Wood, CA 1 min read
Employers
Yes, you can re-join a workplace pension scheme in the future if you opt-out now. You will need to confirm your wish to rejoin in writing to you employer. They should have provided you with instructions about what exact wording you’ll need to use and who you need to send it to.
You can normally only re-join once in any 12-month period, but some employers may provide more than one opt-in period per year. You’ll need to check this with your employer.
If you do decide to opt- out or leave a pension scheme, you will automatically be enrolled back into a pension scheme at a later date, which is usually every three years. Your employer should contact you again to let you know this is happening so that you can opt-out again if it’s still not right for you.
Remember, your employer is obliged to put money into your pension fund for you under the auto-enrolment rules so if you do opt-out, you are foregoing ‘free’ money towards your retirement.
Last updated 15 Jul 2026 | First published 11 Aug 2017
This article is intended to inform rather than advise and is based on legislation and practice at the time. Taxpayer’s circumstances do vary and if you feel that the information provided is beneficial it is important that you contact us before implementation. If you take, or do not take action as a result of reading this article, before receiving our written endorsement, we will accept no responsibility for any financial loss incurred.
Helen Wood, CA
Helen is a qualified chartered accountant (CA) and joined TaxAssist in 2025 following three years as a freelance content writer for clients in the tax and accounting publishing sector. Prior to this, She spent 17 years at Big Four and Top 10 accountancy firms. Helen writes clear and helpful articles on tax and accounting for businesses and individuals.
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