Automatic Re-enrolment at Network Rail
Automatic enrolment into a workplace pension scheme began at Network Rail in April 2013.
Every three years, legislation requires employers to automatically re-enrol its employees into a workplace pension scheme. Network Rail will fulfil these duties on 20 April 2025, with pension contributions being deducted from eligible employees May 2025 pay.
Automatic re-enrolment applies to workers who are not already in a Network Rail workplace pension scheme, and who meet the following criteria:
- earn more than £10,000 a year (£768 every 4 weeks);
- are aged 22 or over; and
- are under State Pension age.
What does this mean for you?
- In the Railways Pension Scheme or CARE scheme?
- You will not be affected by re-enrolment as these schemes meet legislative requirements.
- In the NRDC but paying less than the minimum 5 per cent contribution?
- If you are a current NRDC member and contributing at a level less than the minimum employee contribution of 5% as required by Automatic Enrolment legislation, your NRDC pension contributions will increase from 20 April 2025 and the additional pension contribution will be deducted from your May 2025 pay.
- Not in a Network Rail pension scheme and meet the criteria listed above?
- You will be re-enrolled into the NRDC scheme from 20 April 2025 and will make a contribution in your May pay.
- Was a member of NRDC but opted out?
- Automatic re-enrolment will apply even if you have recently opted out of any of the Network Rail pension schemes.
- Automatic re-enrolment will apply even if you have recently opted out of any of the Network Rail pension schemes.
What is the contribution rate?
The minimum employee contribution is 5 per cent of your ‘Qualifying Earnings’ (employer contribution is 3 per cent) and contributions will be deducted from your May 2025 pay (PSE 9 May and HRMS 23 May).
What next?
If you are subject to automatic re-enrolment you will receive written notification with details of your options.
Can I opt out?
Yes, you can opt out of the NRDC completely or just opt out of making the minimum contributions. How to opt out will be detailed in the enrolment letter or view the FAQ document at the following link https://www.mynrpension.co.uk/auto-enrolment/
If you were not part of a Network Rail pension scheme before 20 April 2025 and opt out completely within 30 days, then you will receive a refund of your pension contributions.
If you opt out of the ‘underpin’ only and remain in the NRDC scheme, your contributions will remain invested in your NRDC pension.
If you are an existing NRDC member, you are not eligible for a refund of contributions deducted from 20 April 2025, and any contributions deducted from your pay from this date onwards will remain in your NRDC pension.
Further information can be found at the following link https://www.mynrpension.co.uk/auto-enrolment/