National Insurance

You should get your National Insurance (NI) number and card when you're in Year 11. Most UK citizens have a National Insurance Number sent to them automatically at the age of 16. It has 2 letters followed by 6 numbers and then one more letter. It is important to keep a written record of this number as it is yours for life. Keep this card safe, as you'll be asked for the number each time you start a new job or a work-based learning placement. You will also need it for claiming benefits and if you need to speak to the tax office.

Each time you are paid, some money is taken from your wages (stoppages / deductions). National Insurance (NI) and Income Tax are the 2 main deductions. They pay for things like the National Health Service (NHS), education, benefits, pensions and the Armed Forces.

There are different levels of contribution and the amount you pay will depend on how much earn. You can find out more - plus how to apply for a National Insurance Number if you haven't got one from the Directgov website. 

There are other things that you might choose to have taken from your wages. Things like pension payments, union fees and student loan repayments.

You are entitled to an itemised payslip each time you are paid. This means that the payslip should show what you earned before stoppages (gross pay) and any deductions made.