Welfare bosses sign up First Dates star Fred Sirieix as ‘pensions ambassador’ to get more people saving for retirement
The maitre d’ is one of trio of famous faces signed up by DWP chiefs as part of a drive to encourage anyone not already saving in a workplace pension to get signed up
WELFARE bosses have signed up a trio of celebrities including First Dates star Fred Sirieix as “pensions ambassadors” in a bid to attract more workers to save cash for their retirement.
DWP chiefs have also hired former Dragon’s Den judge Theo Paphitis and TV builder Tommy Walsh to star in social media videos, with a new TV advert to be launched tonight.
The move is part of a drive to encourage anyone not already saving in a workplace pension to get signed up so they’re not missing out on employer contributions.
More than 8.7million workers have been automatically enrolled in the schemes since it launched in 2012.
But bosses expect up to 11m workers earning £10,000 or more to be saving by next year.
Last night Theo Paphitis, who helped launch the automatic enrolment scheme in 2012 and owns high street stores Ryman, Robert Dyas and Boux Avenue, said millions had already signed up but others were still unaware of the scheme.
He said: “It’s vital to get into the habit of saving early and gain the benefits of your boss’s contributions into your pot.”
Former BBC Ground Force star Tommy Walsh added: “I got a private pension when I was 20 and it was the only sensible thing I did at that age.
“Now people who are employed get the added bonus of their boss paying into their pension when they do.”
Pensions Minister Guy Opperman said pensions were for everyone - not just the better off.
He said: “Those who are not already in the workplace pension scheme should be asking their employers about when they can join and finding out more about it.”
'You really don’t have the time to waste'
First Dates star Fred Sirieix writes for The Sun on why you should pay into a workplace pension:
It’s so important to plan for retirement now. I’m 45 and I still feel like I’m 16 – you really don’t have the time to waste.
I’ve worked in the restaurant trade for most of my life and seen it all.
Having a pension with your job used to be just for some who were lucky enough to work for a company that offered them.
But now more than 8.5million people from all walks of life – even restaurant managers - have been enrolled into a workplace pension
When you’re in the system called “automatic enrolment”, it means that when you pay in, so does your boss. It’s win-win.
Even if you just pay in the minimum amount, just put it aside. It will come in handy in later life.
I know millions of Sun readers are already saving into a workplace pension. This on top of the state pension can help you to build savings for your retirement.
But if you don’t already have a workplace pension, then go ask your boss when you can start.
- For more information visit:
