Pensions warning: 'It's like turning away free money' Since October, employers have been automatically enrolling their workers into a pension scheme designed to combat record low membership. However short term money worries can encourage individuals to opt out of the scheme. Malcolm McLean, the former head of the Pensions Advisory Service, warns workers that by rejecting the pension plan they risk losing out in the long term. He told BBC Radio 5 live's Wake Up to Money presenter Mickey Clark: "We understand that people have got debts... and are short of money, but if you don't stay in these schemes you're effectively turning away free money."