Stakeholder pension schemes will be available from 6 April 2001. For millions of people this will be their first opportunity to save for a second pension. Offering employer access will make it easy for employees to join and contribute to a stakeholder pension according to the Department of Social Security Many employers will be required by law to offer their employees access to a stakeholder pensions scheme.But providing access to a stakeholder pension doesn't mean employers have to set up and run a scheme themselves - that's the job of the pension providers.

Employers are being sent a guide explaining how stakeholder pensions will affect them and what they need to do.It is being sent to all employers with five or more employees this month along with the Employer Bulletin from the Inland Revenue.

"Stakeholder Pensions - a guide for employers" explains in plain language what action firms have to take to prepare, from choosing a pension scheme to managing payroll deductions.The guide explains what stakeholder pensions are and which employers are affected by the new regulations.

Employers can provide access for their employees from April 2001 but the final deadline for them to comply is 8 October 2001.

Social Security Secretary Alistair Darling said, "It is in everyone's interests to get as many people as possible to save for their retirement. And stakeholder pensions will be a major step towards that. We are publishing this guide to help employers by giving them early notice of all they need to know."

Copies of "Stakeholder Pensions - a guide for employers" are being sent out to employers but copies are also available from the Employers' Orderline on 0845 7 646 646 and can be found on the Internet at http://www.dss.gov.uk