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True Shift Cost Calculator

The real cost of a UK shift: wages plus employer NI, pension auto-enrolment and holiday accrual.

Base hourly rateShift length (hours)Unpaid break (minutes)

Rates current as of {date} — all presets are editable.

Your numbers

Your answers stay on this page — nothing is saved or sent anywhere.

Why add 12.07% for holiday?

Every hour worked accrues statutory holiday entitlement — 12.07% is the standard accrual rate for irregular-hours workers (5.6 weeks ÷ 46.4 working weeks).

Is employer NI really 15%?

The employer rate is 15% above the secondary threshold (2025/26). The calculator applies it as a flat preset for planning; payroll software applies thresholds precisely.

What about the minimum wage?

From April 2025 the NMW is £12.21 (21+), £10.00 (18–20) and £7.55 (16–17/apprentice). The rate field is yours — the calculator won’t accept the maths being below your band, your conscience should.

Estimates for planning, not legal or payroll advice. Award, contract and statutory rules vary — always confirm with your award, agreement or adviser.

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