Forties People

Experts say that just under two-thirds of all independent financial advisers (IFAs) believe that promotion of quality pension schemes is needed ahead of the government's auto-enrolment scheme in 2012.

According to new research by Aegon, 65 per cent of the UK's IFAs say that such action is essential in order to minimise the levelling down of corporate pension provisions in the lead up to the reforms.

The Corporate Advice - The Changing Landscape survey also discovered that more than six-in-ten (61 per cent) advisers thought that increasing awareness and interest in schemes such as salary sacrifice would help do this, while 53 per cent believe this could be done through workplace seminars and education.

Aegon concludes that while the new regulations offer employers the perfect opportunity to get workers to save for their retirement, training and expert advice is needed to help them do so effectively.

Neil Davies, head of corporate marketing at Aegon, said: “As auto-enrolment approaches, our findings highlight the positive impact that a proactive approach can have on employer and employee engagement in pensions."

Posted by Daniel Frost