You start ploughing all you can into the fund. You benefit by max rate tax relief on your contributions, so they are nowhere near as bad as the apparent cost to you. In the meantime, stand united with your colleagues and fight for their pension rights, because they will fight to improve yours too. It's one of the best investments you could make, so keep that money flowing in all you can afford. The previous 15% limit has been removed. There is no more you can do for now. But max in as early as possible is the best strategy.