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<p>The population working in multiple low paid jobs is not static and there is little
evidence that people are engaged in this type of work pattern for significant periods
in their working life, or that their state pension outcomes are affected, so many
of those affected are likely to build up sufficient qualifying years in the future
through paid or credited contributions. There is also a very wide gateway to National
Insurance cover already: the lower earnings limit, the threshold for access to contributory
benefits (including the State Pension) is set at the equivalent of less than 16 hours
per week at the national living wage; there is a comprehensive system for National
Insurance credits; people can pay voluntary contributions to protect their State Pension
position, and finally, new State Pension allows for substantial gaps in National Insurance
cover – up to 15 years over a 50 year working life – without penalty.</p>
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