I’m asking for advice and if I’m completely wrong - ultimately, I’m sure there will be some payment plan… or settlement or whatever.

On the .gov workplace pension website it reads: “An employer cannot encourage or force you to opt of of the scheme”. I think it would definitely fall into the encourage category.

Moreover, it’s still not right as they’ll literally be taking £245 a year away in retirement away from her in the defined benefit she will lose in that timeframe she opted-out despite it being their mistake (so in essence pays twice). They’re also framing this as the only option.

What are her options though, is she obliged to give them a set amount of money? Is there any triaging / case handling thing for this? How would you proceed? Is it just a negotiation on timescale and is she obligated to accept their terms?