Support, tools and guidance for you
Welcome to your Employee Services area, your central place for guidance, tools, and support to help you make confident financial decisions and get the most from your benefits.
Key support areas
​
Workplace pensions
Understand how your pension works and how to make the most of it.
→ Explore Workplace Pensions
​
Retirement planning
Plan ahead with clear steps to build the future you want.
→ Explore Retirement Planning
​
Group risk & protection
Learn how your employer-provided benefits support you and your family.
→ Explore Group Risk
Understanding your workplace pension
Saving for your future doesn’t need to feel complicated. Your workplace pension is designed to help you build long-term security with support from both you and your employer. In this section, you’ll find simple explanations, practical tools, and clear guidance to help you understand your pension and make the most of every contribution. Understanding how the different elements work; your contributions, employer support, and the tax advantages; can help you make more informed decisions about your future.
How Contributions Work
Your pension is funded through a combination of contributions from you, your employer, and the government.
Most schemes use a simple percentage of your salary:
-
You contribute a portion of your earnings
-
Your employer contributes on top of that
-
The government adds tax relief, meaning part of what you would have paid in tax goes directly into your pension instead
All three contributions work together, helping your pension pot grow month by month.
The more consistent your contributions, the stronger the long-term benefit.
Workplace pension FAQ's
Not sure how your pension works? No problem. These quick FAQs keep things simple and help you get to grips with the basics.
How much do I need to contribute?
Most schemes set a minimum contribution level (often based on auto-enrolment rules), but you can contribute more if you wish. Increasing your contributions, even by a small amount — can make a significant difference to your retirement savings, especially when combined with employer contributions and tax relief.
What is salary sacrifice?
Salary exchange is an arrangement where you agree to reduce your salary by the amount of your pension contribution, and your employer pays this directly into your pension on your behalf. This can reduce the amount of National Insurance you pay, increasing your take-home pay while still contributing the same amount to your pension. Not all employers offer this, so check your scheme rules.
When can I access my pension?
You can usually access your workplace pension from age 55 (rising to 57 from 2028). When the time comes, you can choose how to take your money — for example, as a lump sum, as flexible withdrawals, or by securing a regular income through an annuity. Your provider will explain the options available to you.
What if I have multiple pension pots?
It’s common to have several pensions from past employers. Consolidating them can make managing your savings simpler, but it isn’t always the best option. Factors like charges, guarantees, or investment performance should be considered first. A financial adviser can help you review your options.
What happens if I leave my employer?
Your pension remains yours. You can: -Leave it in the scheme -Transfer it to a new employer’s pension -Consolidate it with your other pensions Your decision should depend on charges, investment options, and your long-term retirement plan. It’s often worth reviewing your options with a financial adviser.
Your future plans
Planning for retirement goes beyond simply contributing to your pension. It’s about understanding what your future could look like, identifying what matters most to you, and making confident decisions that support your long-term goals. Whether you’re early in your career, approaching retirement, or somewhere in between, we’re here to guide you through each step.
We help you build a picture of your expected retirement income, explore the different ways you can access your pension, and understand how your choices today can shape your financial wellbeing later in life. With clear guidance and practical tools, you can feel more prepared, and more in control of your future.
How we can help
A clear overview of your retirement options
We explain the different ways you can access your pension, including flexible drawdown, annuities, lump sums, and phased retirement. Each option comes with its own considerations, and we help you understand which might be most suitable for your circumstances.
​
Practical planning steps
From reviewing your contributions to considering other savings and investments, we outline the key actions that can help strengthen your retirement outlook. Our guidance is designed to be simple, achievable, and tailored to your personal situation.
​
Tips for staying on track
Retirement planning is an ongoing process. We share straightforward tips to help you review your progress, adjust when needed, and remain confident that you’re building toward the retirement you want.
​
Tools to help you set goals and monitor progress
Access practical resources — including calculators, goal-setting guides, and planning checklists — to help you stay informed and engaged. These tools make it easier to see how your decisions today can shape tomorrow.
Helpful tips & tools
Planning for retirement doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. These resources are designed to give you clarity, confidence, and practical steps you can use right away. Explore simple tips, interactive tools, and guidance to help you stay on track and make informed decisions about your future.
Protecting against the unexpected
Life doesn’t always run according to plan — and that’s exactly why many employers offer protection benefits. These include things like life cover, income protection, or critical illness cover. They’re there to support you and the people you love if something unexpected happens, helping to take some of the stress out of difficult times.
Think of these benefits as a financial safety net: you hope you’ll never need them, but it’s comforting to know they’re there if you do.
What this section covers
• What each benefit provides
A simple breakdown of life cover, income protection, and critical illness insurance — what they mean and how they work.
​
• When it applies
Clear explanations of when these benefits could support you, and in which situations a claim might be made.
​
• How it supports you during life’s uncertainties
From easing financial pressure to helping your family through tough moments, we highlight the real-life value of protection benefits.
Most common types of employee protection
These benefits are designed to support you when life takes an unexpected turn. Below you’ll find simple, helpful explanations of the most common types of protection your employer may offer.
​
Accessing these benefits is straightforward: you can often reach them directly through your provider’s website, app, or dedicated helpline. This means help is available quickly, whenever you need it, providing both practical support and peace of mind.
With these protections in place, you can feel reassured knowing that a safety net exists for both planned and unexpected life events.
Life assurance
Life assurance pays a tax-free lump sum to your chosen beneficiaries if you pass away while employed.
It’s designed to provide financial support to the people who matter most to you — helping with anything from living costs to longer-term security during an incredibly difficult time.
​
What it usually includes:
-
A lump-sum benefit (often a multiple of your salary)
-
The flexibility to nominate who should receive it
-
Peace of mind that your family has support in place
​
Why it matters:
You may never need it — but knowing your loved ones are protected can offer real comfort.
Employee case studies
See how our guidance and benefits make a real difference for employees, helping with pensions, retirement planning, and protection.
​
Making financial decisions can sometimes feel complicated, and life can be unpredictable. Our employee case studies show how different individuals have navigated these challenges with support from the resources, guidance, and benefits available through the employee hub.
​
Each story highlights real situations, practical steps taken, and the outcomes achieved — helping you understand how the tools and benefits available to you can make a tangible difference.​​​​
Start the conversation
Have questions? Our friendly team are always happy to answer any questions or queries you may have. Give us a call or send us an email and someone will be in touch with you shortly.
13 Hanover Square, Mayfair,
London W1S 1HN
t:+44 (0) 20 4570 3812
