8 Hours a Week After Tax 2025-26
National Minimum Wage (£12.21/hr) · Gross: £5,079/year
You pay NO Income Tax — your earnings (£5,079/year) are below the £12,570 Personal Allowance.
National Insurance is also zero — both thresholds are £12,570 in 2025-26. Your take-home equals your gross.
Tax breakdown — 8 hours/week at NMW 2025-26
| Item | Annual | Monthly | Weekly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gross earnings | £5,079 | £423 | £98 |
| Personal Allowance (tax-free) | £12,570 | £1,048 | £242 |
| Income Tax | −£0 | −£0 | −£0 |
| National Insurance | −£0 | −£0 | −£0 |
| Net take-home | £5,079 | £423 | £98 |
A note on National Insurance for students
NI kicks in above £12,570/year (£242/week) — students are subject to National Insurance on earnings above this threshold, exactly like any other worker. There is no NI exemption for students. The rate is 8% on earnings between £12,570 and £50,270. If you earn below £12,570/year, you pay zero NI.
Scotland comparison
Scotland uses different income tax bands (19% Starter rate, 20% Basic, 21% Intermediate). For lower earners below the Personal Allowance, both regions result in identical take-home pay.
Frequently asked questions
Do students pay income tax on 8 hours a week?
No. At 8 hours/week at NMW (£12.21/hr), your annual gross is £5,079, which is below the £12,570 Personal Allowance. You pay zero Income Tax.
Do students pay National Insurance working 8 hours a week?
No. Your annual earnings of £5,079 are below the NI Primary Threshold of £12,570 (£242/week). Students are subject to NI just like other workers, but only on earnings above the threshold.
Can I work 8 hours a week without paying tax?
Yes — at 8 hours/week at £12.21/hr, your annual gross (£5,079) is below the £12,570 Personal Allowance, so you pay no Income Tax and no National Insurance.
What is the student Personal Allowance?
There is no special student Personal Allowance — all UK residents get the same standard Personal Allowance of £12,570 for 2025-26. This is the amount you can earn before paying Income Tax. Students get exactly the same allowance as everyone else.