When did the employer NI increase take effect?

The rate increased from 13.8% to 15% on 6 April 2025, and the secondary threshold dropped from £9,100 to £5,000 at the same time.

Does the NI increase apply to all employees?

Yes, the employer NI increase applies to all employees earning above the secondary threshold (£5,000). There is an enhanced Employment Allowance of £10,500 for small businesses.

How can I offset the employer NI increase?

Options include: adjusting pricing, improving operational efficiency, restructuring work patterns, claiming the Employment Allowance if eligible, or reviewing your benefits package.

Is employer NI tax-deductible?

Yes, employer NI contributions are an allowable business expense and reduce your corporation tax bill.

Pre-filled with typical Professional Services figures: 8 employees, £55,000 average salary. Adjust the sliders for your actual numbers.

Employer NI Impact Calculator

The employer NI rate rose from 13.8% to 15% in April 2025, and the secondary threshold dropped from £9,100 to £5,000. Enter your workforce details to see the exact cost increase.

Number of Employees

18500

Average Annual Salary

£10k£55,000£150k

Your Additional Annual Cost

£9,326

+18.4% increase in employer NI costs

Per employee increase£1,166

Old total NI cost£50,674

New total NI cost£60,000

Monthly Cash Impact

£777 /month

Rate Comparison

Metric	Before (2024/25)	After (2025/26)	Change
Employer NI Rate	13.8%	15.0%	+1.2pp
Secondary Threshold	£9,100	£5,000	-£4,100
NI per employee (your avg salary)	£6,334	£7,500	+£1,166
Total (8 employees)	£50,674	£60,000	+£9,326

What Should You Do?

Risk of Inaction

Every month you delay adjusting pricing or workforce planning, you absorb £777 in unrecovered costs.

If You Act Now

Adjust prices by 2.1% to fully offset the increase.

Decision Window

Already in effect. Every month costs you £777. The optimal action was Q4 2024. The second best time is now.

Professional Services — Key Concerns

Higher average salaries mean larger absolute NI cost per head
MTD compliance is a direct operational concern for accountancy firms and their clients
Many sole practitioners near the VAT threshold

Employer NI Calculator for Other Industries

Hospitality Retail Construction Healthcare & Social Care Manufacturing Technology & SaaS Education & Training Logistics & Transport Agriculture & Farming Financial Services

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Frequently Asked Questions

When did the employer NI increase take effect?: The rate increased from 13.8% to 15% on 6 April 2025, and the secondary threshold dropped from £9,100 to £5,000 at the same time.
Does the NI increase apply to all employees?: Yes, the employer NI increase applies to all employees earning above the secondary threshold (£5,000). There is an enhanced Employment Allowance of £10,500 for small businesses.
How can I offset the employer NI increase?: Options include: adjusting pricing, improving operational efficiency, restructuring work patterns, claiming the Employment Allowance if eligible, or reviewing your benefits package.
Is employer NI tax-deductible?: Yes, employer NI contributions are an allowable business expense and reduce your corporation tax bill.