PLSA considers raising bar for 'quality mark'

Higher contributions needed

Tom Ellis
clock • 1 min read

The Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association (PLSA) is consulting on whether to restrict its top quality mark to employers that achieve a total pension contribution with their employees of 18%.

The Pension Quality Mark (PQM) is currently given to employers whose employees all achieve a 10% contribution, with at least 6% contributed by the employer, but the PLSA is now questioning whether this should be raised to 12% for the PQM and 18% for a PQM 'Plus' award. It said this was because it believed savers should be putting away at least 12% to 15% of income to achieve "income adequacy" in retirement. Recognised by the government and pension industry, the PLSA's quality mark is the highest standard of excellence available to UK employers in recognition of "commitment to good qua...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Pensions

Beyond the numbers: Understanding clients' emotional journey into retirement

Beyond the numbers: Understanding clients' emotional journey into retirement

'Supporting clients through the transition into retirement requires far more than technical financial expertise alone'

Catherine Foot
clock 29 May 2026 • 5 min read
Young disabled people face £245,000 pension gap

Young disabled people face £245,000 pension gap

PensionBee research finds

Sophia Panayi
clock 27 May 2026 • 4 min read
Pension transfer times hit 10-day mark in early 2026

Pension transfer times hit 10-day mark in early 2026

First time since September 2024

Sophia Panayi
clock 26 May 2026 • 1 min read