Comparing + more

🔥 Join the 15,000+ people who have taken control of their pension Get started →

Home › Pension Transfer › Workplace Pension TransferWorkplace Pension
🏢 Workplace Pension Transfer

Workplace Pension Transfer Move Your Old Employer Pension

Left a job and wondering what to do with your old workplace pension? You have options — leave it, transfer it to your new employer's scheme, or move it to a personal pension. The right choice depends on your circumstances.

  • FCA-regulated advisersFCA Advisers
  • Get Matched For FreeFree Matching
  • Takes 60 seconds to start60 Second Process
  • Rated 4.9★ online reviewsRated 4.9★ Online
Get Pension Advice →
Workplace Pension Transfer
15,000+
People Helped
FCA
Regulated Advisers
60s
To Get Started
4.9★
Online Rating
📋 Get matched

Find your perfect match in 60 seconds

Answer a few simple questions and get matched with an FCA-regulated pension adviser who can help with your specific situation.

What Is a Workplace Pension Transfer?

A workplace pension transfer involves moving your pension savings from a current or former employer’s pension scheme to a different arrangement. Since automatic enrolment began in 2012, over 10 million UK workers have been enrolled into workplace pensions, creating millions of pension pots that people may want to consolidate, improve, or take more control over.

Workplace pensions come in two main types: defined contribution (DC) schemes, where your pension pot depends on contributions and investment returns, and defined benefit (DB) schemes, where your pension is calculated based on salary and years of service. The vast majority of modern workplace pensions are DC schemes, run by providers like NEST, NOW: Pensions, The People’s Pension, Aviva, Scottish Widows, and Legal & General.

Whether you should transfer depends on the type of scheme, the charges, and your overall pension situation. Key considerations include:

  • Auto-enrolment charge cap – workplace pensions used for auto-enrolment have a charge cap of 0.75%. While this protects against excessive fees, some modern SIPPs charge significantly less (0.15% to 0.45%).
  • Employer contributions – you cannot transfer a pension you are currently paying into with your employer. Only deferred pensions from previous employers can be transferred. Always consider whether losing employer contributions is worth it.
  • Default fund performance – most workplace pension members are invested in the default fund. These are designed to be suitable for a broad range of people but may not be optimal for your specific circumstances.
  • Investment limitations – workplace pensions typically offer a limited range of 10 to 30 funds, compared to thousands available on SIPP platforms.
  • Drawdown options – some workplace pension schemes offer limited or no drawdown options. You may need to transfer to access your pension under pension freedom rules.
  • DB scheme checks – some older workplace pensions are defined benefit schemes. If your workplace pension is DB and worth over £30,000, mandatory regulated advice is required before transfer.
Key fact: Since auto-enrolment launched in 2012, over £115 billion has been saved into workplace pensions by more than 10 million workers. However, the average pot size at the NEST scheme (the UK’s largest) is only around £3,800, highlighting the need for many people to consolidate and actively manage their pension savings.
Transfer Comparison

Workplace Pension vs SIPP

Compare the features of a typical workplace pension against a modern SIPP.

FeatureWorkplace PensionSIPP
Employer contributionsEmployer contributes (if active)No employer contribution
ChargesCapped at 0.75% (auto-enrolment)0.15%–0.45% typical
Investment choice10–30 funds typicallyThousands of funds, ETFs, shares
Drawdown optionsLimited or noneFull flexi-access drawdown
Online accessVaries by providerFull app and dashboard
ConsolidationMay not accept transfers inAccepts transfers from any pension
Important: If you are currently employed and enrolled in a workplace pension with employer contributions, do not transfer that pension just to get lower fees. The employer contribution (minimum 3% of qualifying earnings) is effectively free money that far outweighs any fee savings from a SIPP. Only transfer deferred pensions from previous employers.
Who Is It For?

Who Benefits from Workplace Pension Transfer Advice?

Workplace pension transfers are relevant to millions of UK workers. These are the most common situations.

💼

Left a Previous Employer

You have changed jobs and left a pension pot with your old employer’s scheme. The pot is no longer receiving contributions and may be better off in a lower-cost arrangement.

Compare your old scheme charges with modern alternatives
📦

Multiple Workplace Pensions

You have accumulated several workplace pensions from different employers. Consolidating them simplifies management and can reduce your total annual charges.

Review each pension for guaranteed benefits before consolidating
💸

Want Lower Charges

Your workplace pension charges are close to the 0.75% cap, but modern SIPPs charge half that. Over 20 years, the difference can add thousands to your pension pot.

Calculate the long-term impact of switching to a lower-cost platform
📈

Better Investment Options

The default fund in your workplace pension does not match your investment goals or risk tolerance. A SIPP gives you full control over your investment strategy.

Ensure you have the knowledge to manage your own investments
⏰

Planning for Retirement

Your workplace pension does not offer adequate drawdown options. Transferring to a SIPP before retirement ensures you can access your pension flexibly.

Check drawdown options on your current scheme first
❓

Unsure About Scheme Type

You do not know if your workplace pension is DC or DB, or whether it has special features. An adviser can determine this and recommend the best course of action.

Get a professional pension review before making changes

Want to transfer your workplace pension?

Get matched with an FCA-regulated adviser who can review your workplace pension and recommend whether a transfer is right for you. Free, no obligation.

Get Pension Advice →
Costs Explained

How Much Does Workplace Pension Transfer Advice Cost?

Costs depend on whether your workplace pension is DC or DB.

£500–£3,000
Initial Transfer Advice
For DC workplace pensions, a review and recommendation typically costs £500 to £1,000. For DB workplace pensions worth over £30,000, mandatory transfer advice costs £1,500 to £3,000 or more.
0.15%–0.45%/year
SIPP Platform Fee
If you transfer to a SIPP, this is the ongoing annual platform charge. It is typically lower than old workplace pension fees, potentially saving you money from day one.
Worth knowing: Through PensionHelper, our matching service is free with no obligation. For most people with old workplace pensions, the combination of lower fees and better investment options makes a SIPP transfer worthwhile. But always check for hidden benefits first.
Simple Process

How It Works

1

Tell us about yourself

Quick questions about your pension situation. Done in 60 seconds.

2

Get matched with an adviser

We connect you with an FCA-regulated pension specialist suited to your needs.

3

Receive your advice

Your adviser reviews your situation and recommends the best course of action.

Real Reviews

What Our Customers Say

Ryan P.
Ryan P.
Manchester • Workplace Pension Transfer
★★★★★
“NEST pension consolidated”

My NEST pension from a previous job was charging 0.3% with a 1.8% contribution charge on new money. Since no new money was going in, the charges were fair, but I wanted everything in one place. Transferred to my SIPP seamlessly.

Emily T.
Emily T.
London • Workplace Pension Transfer
★★★★★
“Four employers, now one pension”

In 10 years I had four different workplace pensions from four employers. The adviser reviewed each, transferred three to a SIPP, and recommended keeping one that was about to mature with a bonus. Clean and efficient.

Daniel G.
Daniel G.
Bristol • Workplace Pension Transfer
★★★★★
“Investment upgrade”

My Scottish Widows workplace pension had 15 funds to choose from. After transferring to a SIPP, I now have access to thousands. Built a global index fund portfolio at a fraction of the cost.

Laura C.
Laura C.
Birmingham • Workplace Pension Transfer
★★★★★
“Drawdown access sorted”

My old employer’s pension scheme did not offer flexi-access drawdown. I would have had to buy an annuity at retirement. Transferring to a SIPP means I can draw income flexibly when the time comes.

Peter L.
Peter L.
Leeds • Workplace Pension Transfer
★★★★★
“DB pension spotted”

I assumed my old workplace pension from the 1990s was a normal DC scheme. The adviser discovered it was actually a defined benefit pension with a guaranteed income of £6,800 per year from 65. That was a brilliant find.

Claire S.
Claire S.
Glasgow • Workplace Pension Transfer
★★★★★
“Simple, fast process”

The adviser handled everything. I signed one set of forms and the transfer from my old Aviva workplace pension to the SIPP was done in three weeks. Now I can see all my pensions on one app. Why did I not do this sooner?

Learn More

Related Guides

Explore our guides for more information on workplace pension transfers.

Employer Pension Transfers

Moving old employer pensions

Pension Consolidation

Combining workplace pensions

SIPP Transfers

Transferring to a SIPP

Small Pension Pots

Options for small workplace pensions

Multiple Pensions

Managing several pension pots

Pension Transfer Guide

Complete guide to pension transfers
Got Questions?

Workplace Pension Transfer: Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, if you have left the employer, your deferred workplace pension can be transferred to a SIPP. DC pensions are straightforward to transfer. DB workplace pensions worth over £30,000 require mandatory regulated advice. You generally cannot transfer a pension you are currently paying into.
If you have left the employer and the workplace pension has higher charges, limited investment options, and no guaranteed benefits, transferring to a lower-cost SIPP is usually beneficial. If it has guaranteed features or competitive charges, keeping it may be better. An adviser can assess your situation.
Open an account with your chosen SIPP provider and request a transfer. The SIPP provider contacts your old workplace pension provider and handles the paperwork. You will need your old scheme details including provider name, policy number, and scheme name.
Most modern workplace pension providers do not charge exit fees for DC pensions. The FCA has capped exit charges at 1% for pensions in accumulation. Your old provider must disclose any charges before you proceed. SIPP providers generally do not charge for incoming transfers.
DC workplace pension transfers typically take 2 to 6 weeks. Some older or larger schemes may take longer. NEST pensions are known to take 4 to 8 weeks due to their processing times. DB pension transfers take 3 to 6 months due to mandatory advice requirements.
Since April 2015, the default fund in auto-enrolment qualifying workplace pension schemes must have charges capped at 0.75% of funds under management. This protects members from high fees. However, 0.75% is still higher than many modern SIPPs charge.
Generally no. You cannot transfer a pension you are currently contributing to via your employer. The transfer option is available once you leave the employer and the pension becomes deferred. Some schemes allow transfer of AVCs while still active.
Employer contributions stop when you leave the employer, not when you transfer the pension. The contributions already made remain in your pension pot and transfer with it. Transferring a deferred pension does not affect any contributions that were previously made.
NEST (National Employment Savings Trust) is a government-backed workplace pension scheme designed for auto-enrolment. It is the UK’s largest pension scheme by number of members. NEST charges 0.3% annual management fee plus a 1.8% charge on each new contribution. Deferred members can transfer out.
Most modern workplace pensions are DC schemes. However, if you were in a workplace pension before 2000, especially in the public sector or with a large employer, it may be DB. Check your pension statement – if it mentions a guaranteed annual pension rather than a pot value, it is likely DB.
Many workplace pension schemes accept transfers from previous employers. This can be a simple consolidation option. However, compare the two schemes first – your new employer’s scheme may not have lower charges or better options than a SIPP.
For DC pensions, the main risks are losing any guaranteed benefits, being out of the market during transfer, and choosing unsuitable investments in the new arrangement. For DB pensions, the risks are much more significant: losing guaranteed income, inflation protection, and spouse pension benefits.
For DC workplace pensions, you do not legally need advice, but it is recommended for larger pots or complex situations. For DB workplace pensions worth over £30,000, regulated advice from a qualified pension transfer specialist is a legal requirement.
The People’s Pension is one of the UK’s largest auto-enrolment pension providers, run by B&CE. It charges a straightforward 0.5% annual management charge with no additional fees. Like NEST, deferred members can transfer their pots to another pension provider.
If your workplace pension pot is £10,000 or less and you are over 55 (rising to 57 from 2028), you can take it as a small pot lump sum (25% tax-free, 75% taxed as income). For occupational workplace pensions, there may be additional trivial commutation options available.

Ready to Transfer Your Workplace Pension?

It takes 60 seconds. Free, no obligation. Get matched with an FCA-regulated pension adviser today.

Get Pension Advice →

15,000+ people helped • Rated 4.9★ online • FCA-regulated advisers

Get Pension Advice, 60 Seconds →