I guess if you make no pension contribution, the take-home will be higher. If you make the maximum 15% contribution (age and fund dependent) it'll be less. I'm sure you could stick the gross figures into TaxCalc and see what you come out with; there are no 'hidden' company deductions! I should point out the allowances are not paid as salary, they are paid in cash down route. A net of 2.5k from a gross of around 4k per month seems about right for a UK tax payer.