Q: Can employers offer several pension schemes?

Different pension schemes may be more appropriate for different groups of staff depending on their characteristics and working arrangements, according to Graham Vidler, director of communications and engagement at Nest.

He said Nest can be used in a number of ways, including as a sole scheme or alongside other pension schemes.

Mr Vidler said: “Many large employers are using Nest in this way.”

Steve Wood, a senior consultant for Helm Godfrey, said: “It is not uncommon for senior executives to have separate pension arrangements than more junior staff, for instance.

“Employers may wish to automatically enrol all eligible employees into a scheme where the minimum contributions are paid and offer an alternative scheme with more generous benefits for those employees who meet seniority, salary or service related criteria chosen by the employer.”