Budget 2024: National Insurance shake-up explained in full - will it impact your pay?

As well as supporting the NHS, the money raised through National insurance payments are also used to fund many benefits and the state pension

Rachel Reeves has confirmed a hike in employers' National Insurance contributions as part of her Autumn Budget.

The Chancellor has announced the rate of National Insurance paid by firms will rise from 13.8% to 15% from April 2025. The earnings threshold for when employers start paying National Insurance will also be lowered from £9,100 per year to £5,000. This means as well as paying a higher rate of National Insurance, businesses will also start to pay it on a higher portion of employee salaries.

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Will National Insurance change affect my pay?

Employers' National Insurance contributions do not come out of your salary - they are paid on top of this. While this won't have a direct impact on your take-home pay, experts have warned businesses may look to mitigate these costs with smaller wage rises or hiring freezes. It may also put them off increasing pension contributions beyond auto-enrolment minimums.

The minimum auto enrolment contribution to an employee's pension savings is 8% of qualifying earnings. Employers must pay at least 3% and the employee the remaining 5%. A previous survey by the Association of British Insurers showed almost half of employers that pay more than the minimum into their workers’ pensions will consider reducing their contributions if they have to pay National Insurance contributions on them.

Rachel Reeves did not announce any changes to National Insurance for employees in her Budget today. You currently pay 8% on earnings between £12,570 and £50,270 in Class 1 contributions. You pay 2% on earnings over £50,270. There are different rates for those who are self-employed.

What does National Insurance pay for?

The Chancellor is looking to boost funding for public services including the NHS. A government source previously told Sky News: "There is a universal consensus that the NHS needs more money. That means asking businesses to help out." As well as supporting the NHS, the money raised through National insurance payments is also used to fund many benefits and the state pension.