National insurance is paid by employees, the self employed and limited companies with employees. There are differing rates depending on the employment status.

Employees

Class 1 national insurance is payable by all employees who earn over £110.01 per week. The standard rate is 11% of the earnings between £110 and £844 per week, and a further 1% on earnings over £844 per week.

Self Employed

Class 2 and 4 national insurance is paid by the self employed and members of partnerships. Class 2 is payable at £2.40 per week and class 4 at 8% on trading profits of £5,715 to £43,875 and an additional 1% on profits over £43,875.

Companies

A company pays class 1 national insurance at the rate of 12.8% on the employees' earnings over £110.01 per week. This is not deducted from the employee but is a cost to the company. It is payable with the employees contribution by the 19th of the following month.