Employer NIC Rise: Impact on Businesses and Accounting Firms

Feeling the pinch of rising costs? You’re not alone. Just when businesses were hoping for some financial breathing room, another increase is on the horizon – National Insurance Contributions or Employer NIC.

But how significant is this change? Will it put a strain on businesses? And what does it mean for accountancy firms? Let’s break it down.

What’s Changing with Employer NIC?

Starting April 2025, Employer NIC is set to rise to 15% from 13.8% in the previous tax year. While it may not be the sharpest increase we’ve seen, any rise in employer costs adds pressure, especially in an already challenging economic climate.

But is this a major or minor change? The reality depends on the size of the business. For large employers with a substantial workforce, even a small percentage increase translates into a considerable cost hike. For smaller businesses, the additional burden could mean difficult decisions about hiring, pricing, and overall financial strategy.

The Cost to Businesses

The combination of these changes will undoubtedly tighten margins for businesses across the board. To bring these costs into perspective, here are some examples based on typical workforce structures in small, medium, and large businesses.

For a small business with 15 employees working full-time on living wage

This business could see an additional annual cost of at least £30,000, factoring in the increased wages and the employer National Insurance contribution hike.

For a medium-sized enterprise with 50 employees

Depending on salary brackets, the increase could range from £50,000 to more than £100,000 annually, especially if many staff members sit close to the minimum wage threshold.

For a large corporation with 200+ employees

Costs could soar into six and seven-figure territory, particularly in sectors like retail or hospitality that rely on a high percentage of minimally compensated workers.

How Will Businesses Feel the Impact?

For businesses, this change directly affects payroll costs. Every additional percentage point means higher employment expenses, making it harder to maintain current wage levels, offer competitive salaries, or even retain staff.

Some businesses may need to:

Re-evaluate their hiring plans
Consider passing costs onto customers
Look for cost-saving measures elsewhere, including outsourcing certain functions

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What This Means for Accountancy Firms

Now, here’s where things get interesting for accountancy firms. Your clients will have questions, and they’ll be looking to you for answers. Businesses will need guidance on how to manage payroll more efficiently, minimise costs, and stay compliant. And let’s not forget the potential surge in payroll processing work—are you prepared to handle it?

Expect More Clients Reaching Out for Support

When tax and payroll rules change, businesses turn to their accountants. Expect an increase in:

Clients asking for payroll cost reduction strategies
Payroll support inquiries
Compliance-related queries

This isn’t just a challenge; it’s an opportunity. Firms that prepare now can strengthen client relationships and even grow their service offerings. This is where payroll outsourcing services come in.

How QX Accounting Services Can Help

Handling payroll in-house can be resource-intensive. That’s where we come in.

QX Accounting Services has been a trusted outsourcing partner for 22 years, working with 350+ accountancy firms across the UK. Our 100+ certified payroll specialists are experts in UK regulations and work seamlessly on your preferred payroll software. Whether it’s standard payroll, pensions, or complex payroll structures, we’ve got you covered.

By outsourcing payroll, firms can:

Save time and reduce administrative burden
Ensure compliance with changing regulations
Free up resources to focus on high-value advisory services

The Bottom Line

Employer NIC is rising, and businesses will need support navigating the change. Accountancy firms that prepare now can turn this challenge into an opportunity by offering expert guidance and scalable payroll solutions.

Need a reliable payroll outsourcing partner? QX Accounting Services is here to help. Let’s tackle the Employer NIC rise together.

Want to discuss how we can support your firm? Get in touch today!

Pooja Kshirsagar

With a rich experience of curating content for various industries, Pooja believes in the power of words in marketing and building brands. She enjoys experimenting with different forms of content and is currently on a mission to add value to the accounting industry through her detailed and researched write-ups.

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Originally published Mar 11, 2025 11:03:22, updated Mar 12 2025

Topics: Employer NIC, Payroll, payroll reforms, payroll services