This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-32935827

The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Employers of carers or nannies may have to pay pensions Employers of carers or nannies may have to pay pensions
(about 11 hours later)
Up to 100,000 people who employ personal carers are being warned that they may now be legally liable to pay them pension contributions.Up to 100,000 people who employ personal carers are being warned that they may now be legally liable to pay them pension contributions.
From 1 June, small businesses employing up to 30 staff will gradually be obliged to offer their staff pensions, under the auto-enrolment programme.From 1 June, small businesses employing up to 30 staff will gradually be obliged to offer their staff pensions, under the auto-enrolment programme.
That includes people who only employ one person, such as a carer or a nanny.That includes people who only employ one person, such as a carer or a nanny.
The Pensions Regulator, which oversees the programme, says those who do not comply could receive a fine of £400.The Pensions Regulator, which oversees the programme, says those who do not comply could receive a fine of £400.
However, it says it is working with 200 support organisations to make sure people get proper advice.However, it says it is working with 200 support organisations to make sure people get proper advice.
Under auto enrolment, all employees over the age of 22 who earn more than £10,000 a year will now have the right to a workplace pension - unless they decide to opt out.Under auto enrolment, all employees over the age of 22 who earn more than £10,000 a year will now have the right to a workplace pension - unless they decide to opt out.
So far, 5.2 million workers in larger companies have joined the scheme. So far, 5.2 million workers in 45,000 larger companies have joined the scheme. Between now and 2018, an estimated 3.8 million more workers will be enrolled by about 1.3 million employers.
'Anxiety''Anxiety'
Anyone who took on an employee for the first time after 1 April 2012 will not have to pay pension contributions for another two years.Anyone who took on an employee for the first time after 1 April 2012 will not have to pay pension contributions for another two years.
And many elderly or disabled people - whose carer is organised through the local authority - may find the pension contributions being paid for them.And many elderly or disabled people - whose carer is organised through the local authority - may find the pension contributions being paid for them.
But it is far from clear whether all local authorities will be prepared to take on the extra costs of a pension.But it is far from clear whether all local authorities will be prepared to take on the extra costs of a pension.
All the Department for Work and Pensions will say is that councils "should consider" the costs.All the Department for Work and Pensions will say is that councils "should consider" the costs.
In the meantime, warning letters sent out by the Pensions Regulator have come as a surprise to many people who employ carers.In the meantime, warning letters sent out by the Pensions Regulator have come as a surprise to many people who employ carers.
"It's come out of the blue, and they've just been unaware of it," said Edward Graham, head of advice and information at the charity, Carers UK."It's come out of the blue, and they've just been unaware of it," said Edward Graham, head of advice and information at the charity, Carers UK.
"It's caused a very high degree of anxiety amongst many people who've received these letters.""It's caused a very high degree of anxiety amongst many people who've received these letters."
NanniesNannies
Those who employ a carer on a salary of £15,000 a year will have to make pension contributions of £185 a year within two years of the scheme starting.Those who employ a carer on a salary of £15,000 a year will have to make pension contributions of £185 a year within two years of the scheme starting.
The first £5,824 of income is ignored, as is any income over £42,385.The first £5,824 of income is ignored, as is any income over £42,385.
Pension costs for nannies - who can earn much more than carers - might be considerably higher.Pension costs for nannies - who can earn much more than carers - might be considerably higher.
Louise Taylor, a director at agency Kensington Nannies, puts the cost at between £300 and £500 a year, but believes few people will be put off.Louise Taylor, a director at agency Kensington Nannies, puts the cost at between £300 and £500 a year, but believes few people will be put off.
"In the grand scheme of things, another £400 is not going to stop you from hiring a nanny," she told the BBC."In the grand scheme of things, another £400 is not going to stop you from hiring a nanny," she told the BBC.
However, she said that many people finding nannies on the internet will be unaware that they are liable for pension contributions.However, she said that many people finding nannies on the internet will be unaware that they are liable for pension contributions.
Equally, many nannies will be unaware of their rights.Equally, many nannies will be unaware of their rights.
"A nanny new to Britain will not know she has a right to a pension," she said."A nanny new to Britain will not know she has a right to a pension," she said.
People who employ cleaners or gardeners will not be affected, unless they pay them more than £10,000 a year.People who employ cleaners or gardeners will not be affected, unless they pay them more than £10,000 a year.
Do you employ a carer or nanny? What do you think about the changes? Email haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk with your stories.
If you would be happy to speak further to a BBC journalist, please include a contact telephone number.
Or WhatsApp us on +44 7525 900971
Read our terms and conditions.