Employer National Insurance 2026/27 | Rates & Thresholds

Employer National Insurance 2026/27: 13.8% on earnings above £5,000. Employment Allowance £10,500. Full guide to employer NI including apprentice and veteran exemptions.

Waqas Sagar
25 May 2026
12 min read

Employer National Insurance 2026/27

Employer NI is an additional cost on top of employee salaries. Understanding the rates and exemptions helps with budgeting.


2026/27 Rates

ThresholdRate
Secondary Threshold (ST)£5,000/year
Rate above ST13.8%

Calculation Example

Employee earning £40,000:

ComponentCalculationAmount
Earnings above ST£40,000 - £5,000£35,000
Employer NI£35,000 × 13.8%£4,830

Total employment cost: £44,830


Employment Allowance

Eligible employers can reduce their NI bill by up to £10,500:

CriteriaRequirement
At least one employeeRequired
Previous year NI under £100,000Required
Not a single-director companyRequired

Exemptions

Under 21s

No employer NI on earnings up to Upper Secondary Threshold (£50,270).

Apprentices Under 25

No employer NI on earnings up to Upper Secondary Threshold.

Veterans

First 12 months of employment: No employer NI up to £50,270.


Related Calculators

employer niemployer national insurancesecondary thresholdemployment allowance
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Waqas Sagar
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ACA, FCCA, FMAAT - Chartered Accountant

Chartered Accountant running a successful accountancy firm based in London. Over 18 years of UK tax experience.

Disclaimer: This content is for general information only and does not constitute professional tax advice. Tax rules change frequently. Always consult a qualified accountant for advice specific to your circumstances.Terms of use.