One in four workers unaware of NI hike Research has found that 38% of people are not aware of this year's changes to National Insurance. This month sees NI payments increase by 1.25%, while from July the NI payment threshold will increase from £190 per week to £242. The poll of 1,017 working adults saw 50% say they did not know that the 1.25% increase had been implemented this month, while 58% were unaware that the increase had been previously announced. Many of the workers polled said tax rises will place a strain on their financial situation.