Webb holds firm on auto-enrolment timetable

Steve Webb has reinforced his commitment to auto-enrolment being rolled out in 2012, amid reports the government is considering delaying the reforms.

Speaking at an event showcasing the National Employment Savings Trust's work to date, the pensions minister (pictured) dismissed the case for slowing the timetable.

He said: "It is entirely legitimate in a time when the economy is in sluggish growth that government looks at all the things it does that have an impact on business.

"But I am absolutely committed - and this will be least startling announcement of the day - that 2012 will happen next year."

His comments coming following reports in The Sunday Times and Sunday Telegraph in recent weeks that the Beecroft report into cutting red tape could suggest scaling back the auto-enrolment timetable and removing some of the requirements on small businesses.

Webb said cross-party co-operation on auto-enrolment was a "cause for optimism".

"It's one of the striking things that we have pension reform brought in by a Labour government, being seen through by a coalition of Conservatives and Liberal Democrats," he said.

"And I think that should be cause for optimism because pensions are for life not just for Christmas.

"With auto-enrolment we've got a chance, we've got an example, of where the basic architecture has been talked about for years, legislation was passed years ago - we've refined it but I think the principles have stayed the same."