Employers are obliged to pay the correct wage to all employees (Image: Getty Images)
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has issued a crucial alert to British workers. Legally, employers are obligated to pay your wages on the agreed date and time as stipulated in your employment contract.
However, there may be instances where you discover that you have either not been paid or have received an incorrect amount. It’s vital to understand that you may need to calculate how much you’re owed, taking into account external factors such as taxes and National Insurance.
These deductions should be clearly outlined on your payslip, and if you suspect a discrepancy, your first course of action should be to query this with your employer and rectify any errors. In some cases, however, an employer may intentionally underpay you, particularly if you’re entitled to the National Minimum Wage and you’re an apprentice being paid less than what you’re due.
The National Minimum Wage is the lowest hourly wage legally payable to all employees and apprentices, with varying rates based on age. Current National Minimum Wage rates are as follows:
- Apprentice: £6.40
- Under 18: £6.40
- 18 to 20: £8.60
- 21 and over: £11.44
What to do if you discover you’re being underpaid
If you realise that your employer is not remunerating you correctly, you can lodge a complaint with . To do this, visit the National Minimum Wage complaints page on , which will guide you on how to submit complaints either online or by post. If you prefer to complain online, provides a digital assistant to help you navigate the complaints process.
Before lodging a complaint, it’s recommended to have the following information ready:
- Contact details including phone number or email
- How much you’re currently being paid
- How many hours you have worked
- Your employer’s details
- Your National Insurance Number
It’s crucial to remember that even if you don’t have all these details readily available, you should still proceed with your complaint as may reach out to you for additional information.
If you’re worried about potential repercussions from your employer due to your complaint, you can request to keep your identity confidential. For further advice on pay and work rights, you can reach out to the Acas helpline at 0300 123 1100.