The Pensions Regulator issued warning to 1.8 million small and micro employers to check when they must meet new workplace pension duties.

The call to action follows research showing that almost two thirds of small and micro employers do not know the exact date they need to start complying with automatic enrolment laws.

Research is published twice a year by the regulator and tracks awareness of automatic enrolment among employers and intermediaries, and how they are preparing to act.

It estimates that over the next two years around 1.8 million small and micro employers will need to act as a result of automatic enrolment duties.

Charles Counsell, executive director of automatic enrolment at The Pensions Regulator, said: "It is encouraging that according to our latest research most small and micro employers due to stage this year are well underway with their preparations, but there is no room for complacency."

"The challenge of ensuring 1.8million employers meet their duties by 2018 is significant and the research shows many employers are still not preparing early enough."

The latest employer survey highlights how the majority of employers due to stage between now and November 2015 have started preparing and are aware of their staging date, but that awareness amongst those due to stage in 2016 and beyond drops significantly.

It also shows that most will seek the help of business advisers.

According to the intermediary research, advisers are now far better placed to help employers meet their pension duties with almost all accountants, bookkeepers and payroll administrators planning to provide a service to micro employers.

The Pensions Regulator says it will continue to develop new tools on its website to simplify the process for employers by using a range of communications.

Charles Counsell said: "It is positive that more advisers have stepped up to meet the needs of employers by developing new services, and by directing clients to the regulator's website, but my message to employers remains clear: start getting your plans in place or you risk a financial penalty."

Auto-enrolment specialist at Barnett Waddingham, Adam Bexson, echoed the call for prompt action and warned that advisors would be in high demand as the deadlines get closer.

He said: "Small employers need to bear in mind that there will be a rush for advice and the biggest issue they will face will be finding an adviser who has put in place processes which can cope with this capacity.

"Small employers should get their auto-enrolment preparations in order sooner rather than later as the floodgates are about to open."

First published 06.08.2015

Lindsay.sharman@wilmingtonplc.com