Call Grows to End National Insurance Contributions for Over-60s

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A growing campaign is calling on the U.K. Government to scrap National Insurance deductions for workers over the age of 60. An online petition has been launched, urging an end to these contributions before State Pension age in a bid to ease financial pressures on older employees.

Currently, National Insurance contributions (NICs), a form of tax on earnings, are automatically halted once an individual reaches State Pension age, which is presently 66 and due to rise to 67 between 2026 and 2028. The petition, titled “Exempt Workers Over 60 from National Insurance Payments,” was launched by Mike Haynes, who argues that the move would provide essential financial relief to older citizens still in the workforce.

“We are calling for this as many over-60s are struggling to survive due to what we believe has been incompetent government spending over the past 30 years,” Haynes stated. The campaign is hosted on the U.K. Government’s Parliamentary Petitions website, where reaching 10,000 signatures would trigger an official government response. If the petition secures 100,000 backers, it could advance to the House of Commons Petitions Committee, potentially leading to a formal debate in Parliament.

National Insurance, as defined by the Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT), is not just deducted from employees’ salaries but also levied on employers and the self-employed. Though categorised as a social security contribution, it functions much like an income tax. Its primary role is to fund key state benefits, including pensions and unemployment support.

Most U.K. workers stop paying NICs once they reach State Pension age. However, for those still employed but below that threshold, deductions continue to apply regardless of age. Haynes’ proposal seeks to shift that limit to 60, arguing it reflects the increasing cost of living faced by older citizens who often lack the same income flexibility or job mobility as younger cohorts.

While NICs typically end at State Pension age, older workers may still be liable for Income Tax on earnings that exceed their Allowance, which has remained at £12,570 since the 2021/22 tax year. This threshold is expected to rise in line with inflation from April 2028.
The push to review the treatment of older workers comes amid broader discussions around tax fairness, workforce ageing, and economic resilience. Whether this specific measure will gain enough political traction remains to be seen, but it is clear that the debate on easing burdens for older employees is gaining momentum.