ILR/PR eligibility

[girish]

Hi
i was initially here in UK under WP visa and then i switched to HSMP in the year 2008.After 6 months,my company sent me back to india as my project got over.i came back after 4.5 months to UK under HSMP visa. i would like to know

1.what is the policy to apply for ILR/PR after 5 years
2.Is PR and ILR same?
3.Most importatly - my company is not paying NI(National Insurance).As they say that if an employee stays for 1st year he/company need not pay NI.Its only after 1 year, he/company needs to pay NI. In my case,my company has considered my second trip as a fresh trip(as it as after 4.5 months break in india).
4. Could you please advise,if not paying NI will lead to problem for applying ILR after 5 years?
5. If yes, how can i avoid this? My company is clearely refused that as per policy they need not pay NI for employee's first year.

Regards
Girish
Thanks in anticipation

[vipul1981]

PR/ILR is same.

Your ILR clock has reset and now you will have to wait for 5 years for ILR. (If rules dont change)

NI contributions wont make a diff as you will start paying after a year and ur ILR is not due anytime soon