EMPLOYERS across Braintree are being warned not to ignore the workplace pension scheme, or face a hefty fine.

Around 1,700 small businesses across the district are being told by The Pensions Regulator to get ready to put all staff into a pension plan before the upcoming deadline or face a fine of £400.

Every employer, even ones who have just one employee, will have received a letter from TPR explicitly expressing their specific deadline.

It is estimated that approximately 96% percent of small employers have now complied to the new rule.

Colourful character Workie will be returning to TV screens in June to help remind people what is happening.

Charles Counsell, TPR’s executive director of automatic enrolment, said: “We are tasked with ensuring employers comply with the law so that staff receive the pension they are entitled to.

"Around 124,000 employers have automatically enrolled more than six million staff into a pension.

"We give employers plenty of notice and the information they need, but it is up to them to ensure they allow enough time to get ready.

"Employers can avoid the risk of a fine by making sure they do not bury their heads in the sand and start planning when they need to."

More information about the new duties for employers can be found at the TPR's Duties Checker at: www.thepensionsregulator.gov.uk.