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

PCLS after age 75: Addressing a common misconception

PCLS after age 75: Addressing a common misconception

Pension legislation does not impose an upper age limit on the payment of PCLS

Caitlin Southall
clock 14 August 2026 • 4 min read
The AI ship has sailed and pension providers are still sitting on the shore

The AI ship has sailed and pension providers are still sitting on the shore

'The AI interface has arrived'

Jonathan Lister Parsons
clock 13 August 2026 • 6 min read
CRM integration project highlights AI-powered innovation potential

CRM integration project highlights AI-powered innovation potential

Project reflects a broader shift in adviser technology

Joe Power
clock 04 August 2026 • 3 min read