Annex A: Glossary of Pension Provision Stakeholder pensions
17.Stakeholder pensions are a new type of private pension.  Stakeholder pensions are required to meet certain standards laid down in law.  The standards include a limit on the charges that can be levied.  Stakeholder pensions became available to the public on 6 April 2001.  From 8 October 2001, all employers with 5 or more employees should have a designated stakeholder scheme for their employees to join, unless they are exempt.  Employers are exempt from this requirement if, for example, they have an occupational pension that all employees can join.