What are the National Insurance rates?
For 2026-27, employees on standard category A pay no National Insurance on weekly earnings up to £242, then 8% on earnings from £242.01 to £967 a week and 2% above that, according to GOV.UK. Employers pay 15% on most employees' earnings above £96 a week (£5,000 a year).
Self-employed people pay Class 4 contributions of 6% on profits between £12,570 and £50,270 and 2% above that. Class 2 contributions are no longer compulsory: they are treated as paid for those with profits of £7,105 or more, and people below that can pay a voluntary £3.65 a week.
Claims about "National Insurance cuts" and "rises" can refer to different classes. The employee main rate fell in 2024 while the employer rate rose to 15% in April 2025, so check whose contributions are meant.
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This answer says where the official figures are published and how they are defined. It gives no verdict on any claim. To report an error, send a correction request. More questions about tax rates, allowances and household bills: all Tax rates, allowances and household bills questions.