An amount set by the government for each tax year for the purposes of calculating National Insurance contributions (NICs) payable by employees. The upper earnings limit (UEL) for 2024/25 is £967 a week. An employee must pay NICs at rate of 10% of earnings between the primary threshold and the UEL, plus 2% of earnings above the UEL. His or her employer must pay NICs at rate of 13.8% of the employee's earnings above the secondary threshold. See also lower earnings limit (LEL) and upper accrual point.