The number of organisations signed up to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) has rocketed, but experts have warned that many underestimate the obligations involved.
The Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association (PLSA) says many members of the scheme including universities, charities and housing associations are now questioning whether they can afford to remain in it.
It says more than 10,000 employers are now members, an increase of 14% in 2013-14, while there could be thousands more schools joining if they become academies.
The PLSA is publishing a series of guides for employers in the local government scheme, the first of which will explain what they need to know before joining.
PLSA chief executive Joanne Segars said: 'The Local Government Pension Scheme provides some fantastic benefits for its members.
'But for employers there are significant legal, financial and administrative obligations which can cause a real headache.'