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Martin Lewis warning to workers on pension auto enrolment and why it is 'free money'

On February 3, 2026 Martin Lewis urged workers to check payslips and warned that opting out forfeits employer contributions forever.
Under current rules, auto enrolment covers employees aged 22 to State Pension age earning more than £10,000 a year, requiring a minimum total contribution 8%, with employer contribution at least 3% and re‑enrolment every three years.
Missing early contributions can disproportionately reduce retirement income because of compound growth, and employer top‑ups plus tax relief make pensions one of the most efficient ways to build long‑term wealth.
Many workers face rising costs, and Lewis cautioned that pausing contributions should be reviewed soon, as it forfeits tax relief.
The system is designed to favour savers, with typical contribution split: five percent and three percent boosting taxpayers' immediate return.

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