Third of workers plan to change pension payment ahead of tax change

Business & FinancePersonal Finance
7 Jan 2026 • 5:04 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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  • A new survey reveals that 28 per cent of pension savers using salary sacrifice schemes plan to increase their contributions before April 2029.
  • From April 2029, salary-sacrificed pension contributions exceeding an annual threshold of £2,000 will no longer be exempt from National Insurance, becoming subject to it.
  • Approximately 11 per cent of savers anticipate reducing their pension contributions once the new rules are implemented, while many are unaware of the upcoming changes.
  • Pensions industry bodies have criticised the changes, arguing they could undermine saving behaviours and lead to smaller pension pots, with employers having fewer incentives to increase contributions.
  • The Treasury defends the reforms, stating they prevent high earners from avoiding tax and protect 95 per cent of workers earning under £30,000 who use salary sacrifice.

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