As we move into the second half of the year, now is a good opportunity for employers to review their position, ensure they understand their obligations, and make the most of the support available through CWPS and CPAS.

Auto-Enrolment: What CWPS Employers Need to Know

The introduction of the State's Auto-Enrolment retirement savings system, MyFutureFund, represents one of the most significant pension reforms in Ireland in recent years. Employees who meet the eligibility criteria and are not already contributing to a qualifying pension scheme through payroll may be automatically enrolled.

For employers participating in CWPS, the position is generally straightforward. Employees who are actively contributing to CWPS through payroll are already members of a qualifying occupational pension arrangement and are therefore not expected to be enrolled into MyFutureFund for that employment. This position is also reflected in CPAS guidance issued to employers and consultants.

However, employers should review any workers who may fall outside their current pension arrangements. This can include certain new hires, employees who are not currently participating in a qualifying scheme, or other categories of workers whose pension arrangements may need to be reviewed. The draft update specifically highlights the importance of checking whether any workers are not currently covered by CWPS or another qualifying scheme.

The MyFutureFund Opt-Out Window

Auto-Enrolment has now entered its next phase. Employees who were enrolled in MyFutureFund from January 2026 may be approaching the first opportunity to opt out of the scheme following their initial six-month participation period. Official guidance states that employees enrolled on 1 January 2026 can generally opt out during July and August 2026 and receive a refund of their own contributions.

For employers with staff participating in MyFutureFund, this may be an appropriate time to remind employees about the options available to them and encourage them to seek guidance where necessary before making long-term retirement planning decisions.

Supporting Construction Workers Through CWPS

For more than 60 years, CWPS and CPAS have supported workers and employers across the Irish construction sector through pension, sick pay and death benefit provision. The draft update highlights the continued role CWPS plays in providing valuable support and protection for members and their families.

In addition to pension benefits, the scheme continues to provide important supports through its sick pay and death benefit arrangements, delivering financial assistance when members and their families need it most. The update also notes the ongoing utilisation of these benefits throughout the first half of 2026.

A Reminder About the Member Portal

Members can access information about their pension through the CWPS Member Portal, including details of their fund value and retirement savings. The draft update encourages members who have not yet registered for online access to do so, helping them stay informed about their pension benefits and long-term retirement planning.

Additional Support Available Through CPAS

Many employers are familiar with CWPS, but may be less aware of the wider support available through CPAS.

CPAS offers a range of services designed to support employers and employees throughout their retirement planning journey, including:

• Educational presentations and toolbox talks for members.
• One-to-one consultations covering pension benefits and retirement options.
• Guidance on Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVCs).
• Pension solutions for directors, management and office staff through CERS.
• Access to regulated financial planning and retirement advice through Milestone Advisory.

These services are intended to help employers provide meaningful support to their workforce while helping members make informed decisions about their financial future.

Looking Ahead

The pension landscape continues to evolve, particularly following the introduction of Auto-Enrolment. While many CWPS employers will already be meeting their obligations through participation in the scheme, now is a good time to review workforce arrangements and ensure that any employees outside existing pension structures are appropriately considered.

If you have questions about CWPS, Auto-Enrolment, employee pension provision or the support services available through CPAS, please contact your consultant or a member of the CPAS team.