As part of the Freeports model being rolled out, the government has announced Employer National Insurance contributions are to be included in the initiative.
If an employers business premises is within a Freeport tax site they will be able to apply a zero-rate of Employers NI on the earnings for new employees who spend 60% or more of their working time within the tax site. The zero rate can be applied to all employees hired from 6th April 22 for a maximum of 36 months. The zero rate can be applied on the new employees earnings up to £25k/pa. The new employees must themselves be based within the Freeport geographic area.
The relief is initially available from 6th April 22 – 5th April 2026, though the government is planning to extend for a further 5 years.
For more information and guidance on Freeports please visit the HMRC website.