HMRC has reminded people working this festive season to check their pay
UK workers have been issued an urgent warning this festive period. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), has prompted workers across Britain to check their December earnings.
The Government body stressed that all people are legally guaranteed payment of “at least” the National Minimum Wage. Taking to the social media platform X, HMRC posted: “Working this festive season?
“Don’t forget to check your pay! Check out the National Minimum Wage rates and make sure you’re being paid correctly.”
In an accompanying informational video, HMRC stated: “You are legally entitled to be paid at least the National Minimum Wage.” This applies to those in temporary seasonal positions across various sectors including:
- Shops
- Hotel
- Garden centres
- Christmas markets
- Restaurants
- Warehouses
The current National Minimum Wage hourly rate stand at:
- £12.21 – 21 and over
- £10 – 18 to 20
- £7.55 – Under 18
- £7.55 – Apprentice
To know if you are being paid the right amount, HMRC advised: “Always check your pay. Look out for any deductions or unpaid working time which could take you below the minimum wage.”
More information on the National Minimum Wage is given on GOV.UK. It says: “It does not matter how small an employer is, they still have to pay the correct minimum wage.”
You can use an online calculator here to check if you’re getting the correct minimum wage or if an employer owes you payment from the previous year.
What to do if you’re not being paid correctly
The Government website recommends that workers who think their pay is below the correct minimum wage rate should talk to their employer first. However, ff this does not solve the problem, they can ask the employer in writing to see their payment records.
GOV.UK says: “The worker can take someone with them and make copies of the records. If an employer owes the worker any arrears they have to pay these back.”
Workers can call the confidential Acas helpline to help them solve a payment dispute. The number for this is 0300 123 1100. This line is open from Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.
Workers can also make a complaint to HMRC about their employer or employment agency or complain on behalf of someone else. GOV.UK continues: “If HMRC find that the employer has not paid they will send them a notice for the arrears plus a fine for not paying the minimum wage.
“HMRC can take them to court on behalf of the worker if the employer still refuses to pay.” Workers can also go directly to the employment tribunal themselves.
Workers who have been dismissed because of a minimum wage dispute can also complain to the employment tribunal for unfair dismissal.
For more information, visit GOV.UK here.