Law & Regulation

Firms with almost 250 staff will have their auto-enrolment put back a little more than one year, until shortly after the 2015 general election, PW understands.

Small businesses of 50 staff have been the focus of recent speculation, including reports they may be altogether exempted.

But sources close to the decision have told PW it will be firms due to start staging from April or May 2014 - meaning 239-249 staff or fewer - allowed to defer the decision until after the election the following May.

The move is a result of pressure on the Department for Work & Pensions by the Treasury and Department for Business Industry & Skills, which are concerned about employment and economic forecasts and wishes to boost private sector growth.

An auto-enrolment scaleback or exemption for the smallest UK employers was also part of this Summer's Beecroft report into cutting red tape for businesses.