Frequently Asked Questions for non-employees
Frequently Asked Questions for non-employees
- What is the definition of a ‘non-employee’?
- What criteria are used to determine if auto-enrolment will affect me?
- What pension scheme will I be enrolled into if I meet the criteria?
- How much will I have to pay into the pension scheme if enrolled?
- What if I do not want to join a pension scheme, can I opt out?
- If I don’t meet the criteria on earnings or age, can I still join the pension scheme?
- What if I have more than one Contract for Service at the University?
- Will the University advise me on what to do?
- What if I am auto-enrolled by another employer?
- I am already in receipt of a pension, will I be affected?
- How will I be contacted about auto-enrolment?
- Where can I find out more about NEST?
- Where can I find out more about auto-enrolment?
Individuals engaged under a Contract for Service or as a student or casual worker, are deemed to be a ‘non-employee’. This includes tutors, demonstrators, invigilators and external examiners.
The criteria will be based on your earnings and age, and you will be categorised as one of the following three types of workers, as per the table below.
Categories of Workers and University’s Duty
|
Category of Worker |
Definition |
University’s Duty |
|
Eligible Jobholder |
|
|
|
Non-eligible Jobholder |
|
|
|
Entitled Worker |
|
|
*These figures are based on 2013/14 rates and are subject to change by the Government.
The University has chosen the National Employment Savings Trust (‘NEST’), for the purposes of auto-enrolment, for non-employees.
The contribution rates will be in line with the statutory levels and are detailed in the table below.
Pension Scheme Contribution Rates
|
Duration |
Member Contribution Rate |
University Contribution Rate |
|
Up to 30 September 2017 |
1% |
1% |
|
1 October 2017 to 30 September 2018 |
3% |
2% |
|
1 October 2018 onwards |
4% |
3% |
Please note that the University will only contribute to your pension if you have been assessed as an eligible jobholder, or you are a non-eligible jobholder who opts in to NEST.
Yes, if you are an eligible jobholder who has been automatically enrolled into NEST or a non-eligible jobholder who opted in to NEST, and you want to opt out you can do so in one of the following ways:
- Online - visit www.nestpensions.org.uk/member-hub, and follow the instructions on screen, or
- Phone - call NEST on 0300 020 0090 and follow the automated instructions, or
- Post – call NEST on 0300 020 0090 and request a paper copy of the opt out form, which you will need to complete, sign and return to the Pensions Office, Queen’s University Belfast, Level 3, Admin Building, Belfast, BT7 1NN.
The legislation requires you to opt out within one calendar month of being automatically enrolled, in order to receive a refund of your contributions. Your opt out period will start from the date you are enrolled into NEST. You will receive correspondence from NEST after you have been enrolled, informing you of your opt out period. If you do not opt out within this period, you may still cease contributions to NEST but you will not be entitled to a refund.
You can only opt out of NEST once you have been enrolled and received your NEST identification number.
You should think carefully about the benefits you are giving up by not being a member of a pension scheme.
Yes, you would be eligible to join NEST. Please put your request in writing by sending either:
- a letter, signed by you, to the Pensions Office, Queen’s University Belfast, Level 3, Admin Building, Belfast, BT7 1NN, or
- an email to pensionshelpdesk@qub.ac.uk. (Please note that electronic correspondence must contain the phrase “I confirm that I have personally submitted this notice to join a workplace pension scheme”).
Please note that, in line with the legislation, if you earn less than £472 per month and join the pension scheme the University will not contribute.
If you have more than one Contract for Service at the University, your earnings from each contract will be aggregated each month before the assessment for auto-enrolment occurs.
No, the University is not authorised to offer advice or guidance on what you should do as a result of the new legislation. It is recommended that you seek independent financial advice in relation to your own circumstances.
If you are a member of another pension scheme through another employment, the University is still obliged to apply the auto-enrolment legislation. This may mean that you are automatically enrolled into different pension schemes by both, or all, of your employers.
10. I am already in receipt of a pension, will I be affected?
The auto-enrolment legislation will apply to all workers who meet the criteria, regardless of whether they are already in receipt of a pension. So if you are a non-employee, and meet all the criteria, you will be automatically enrolled into NEST.
You will be contacted via letter, outlining how the new legislation will affect you.
The University will be applying postponement to all non-employees. This means that you will not be assessed for auto-enrolment purposes until 1 August 2013.
12. Where can I find out more about NEST?
More information about NEST can be found at: www.nestpensions.org.uk.
13. Where can I find out more about auto-enrolment?
If you wish to know more about auto-enrolment generally please visit the following websites:
http://www.dwp.gov.uk/policy/pensions-reform/workplace-pension-reforms/
https://www.gov.uk/workplacepensions
http://www.thepensionsregulator.gov.uk/automatic-enrolment.aspx
