Auto-Enrolment Pension Thresholds to Stay the Same in 2026/27

The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that all key auto-enrolment pension thresholds will remain unchanged for 2026/27.

This means:

• The auto-enrolment earnings trigger stays at £10,000 – the annual pay above which employees must be automatically enrolled.
• The lower earnings limit remains at £6,240.
• The upper earnings limit remains at £50,270.

These thresholds determine which employees are eligible for automatic enrolment and the portion of earnings in respect of which contributions need to be made.

Employees who earn less than the earnings trigger can still opt in to their employer’s workplace pension. It’s important to remember that if they earn between the lower earnings limit and enrol, the earnings trigger a mandatory employer contribution.

What this means for employers

With thresholds remaining unchanged for 2026/27, most employers should not need to make any changes to their payroll or auto-enrolment setup. However, it is still important to ensure your processes are working correctly and that eligible staff are being assessed and enrolled as required.

If you would like support with payroll, auto-enrolment, or ongoing compliance, please get in touch. Our team will be happy to help and talk you through your options.