From 1st January 2026 workers in Ireland without a pension will join the new auto-enrolment scheme. The scheme was initially due to be rolled out in 2025 however successive delays have pushed the start date to next year. 

To ensure our members are informed and prepared for these changes, Fórsa is hosting an exclusive member-focused online event on the upcoming auto-enrolment pension system, which will take place online on Tuesday 9th December at 11.30am. 

Members can register their interest to attend here: Navigating Auto-enrolment with Fórsa

Auto-enrolment is a new scheme designed to increase retirement savings among Irish workers. The goal is to ensure that all employees have access to a pension, particularly those who are not already enrolled in a workplace scheme. Under the scheme, the employee, employer, and Government all pay a certain amount into the employee’s pension fund. 

The scheme aims to ensure that workers will not have to rely on the state pension alone. Supplementary pension coverage in Ireland is low, especially in the private sector where two thirds of workers are not paying into a pension scheme.  

Chaired by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) head of Social Policy & Employment Affairs, Dr Laura Bambrick, this event will provide an essential briefing, expert insights, and a space to ask questions. 

Quick Guide 

Fórsa previously put together a short guide on the auto-enrolment pension system, developed by asking officials from the Department of Social Protection directly to explain what auto-enrolment pensions would mean for workers and answer questions on more specific circumstances. You can find our simple explainer for it here.

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