On or after January 1, 1941, an employer shall make payments to the unemployment compensation fund equal to two and seven-tenths percent of wages paid by him with respect to employment during each calendar year beginning with the calendar year 1941, subject, however, to other provisions of this article; except that on and after January 1, 1972, each employer subject to this chapter shall pay contributions at the rate of one and five-tenths percent of wages paid by him with respect to employment during each calendar year until he has been an employer for not less than thirty-six consecutive months ending on the computation date; thereafter, his contribution rate shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of section ten of this article.

On and after July 1, 1981, each employer subject to this chapter shall pay contributions at the rate of two and seven-tenths percent of wages paid by him with respect to employment during each calendar year until he has been an employer for not less than thirty-six consecutive months ending on the computation date; thereafter, his contribution rate shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of section ten of this article.

Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter to the contrary, on or after July 1, 1981, any foreign corporation or business entity engaged in the construction trades shall pay contributions at the rate of seven and five-tenths percent of wages paid by him with respect to employment during each calendar year until he has been an employer for not less than thirty-six consecutive months ending on the computation date; thereafter, his contribution rate shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of section ten of this article.