This process represents the mandatory contribution levied on employers based on the earnings of their employees. It is calculated as a percentage of an employee’s earnings above a specific threshold. For example, if an employee earns 1,000 above the current threshold, the employer must contribute a pre-defined percentage of that 1,000 to the national insurance fund.
This contribution is a crucial element of funding various state benefits, including state pensions, unemployment benefits, and the National Health Service. Historically, these contributions have evolved in response to changing economic conditions and the needs of the welfare state, ensuring the availability of these essential public services.