Martin Lewis’ MoneySaving Expert (MSE) is urging all UK workers to make seven quick checks to boost their pay.
It comes after figures from the Low Pay Commission show that 370,000 people on minimum wage were underpaid in 2024.
The National Minimum Wage is the minimum amount per hour that almost all workers who have reached school leaving age in the UK are entitled to.
Labour has confirmed that the pay rate will rise by 6.7% in April to £12.21 per hour which MSE says makes it even more important that workers on lower incomes check they are getting the correct amount from their employer.
In February last year the government named and shamed 500 companies for failing to pay the minimum wage to staff, leaving more than 172,000 workers out of pocket. Among those included were major firms like easyJet, Greggs, Estee Lauder, Stonegate Pubs, Currys and River Island.
The government said that all of the companies included in the list have since paid back money owed to staff, but also faced financial penalties of up to 200% of their underpayment. It added that not all underpayments are intentional but action will be taken against employers who fail to pay staff correctly.
According to MSE, there are seven key checks workers should make to make sure they aren’t missing out on cash they are entitled to. These include:
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Uniform, tools and safety clothing costs – workers who need to buy these items shouldn’t see the cost take their earnings below the equivalent minimum wage over their pay period.
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Pay for all time worked – workers should be paid for all working hours, including things like overtime, handovers and being on call.
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Tips and overtime – If you are in a job where you earn tips or work overtime, these must be factored in on top of your minimum wage.
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Working on commission – If you don’t earn enough commission employers must top up your pay with a salary to meet the minimum wage.
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Accommodation costs – If employers provide accommodation your pay can only be reduced by a maximum of £69.93 per week below minimum wage for things like rent, gas and electricity charges.
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Apprenticeship schemes – If you are being paid as an apprentice make sure you are on a legit apprenticeship scheme with structured training, otherwise you may be entitled to a higher wage.
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Payslips – make sure to check your payslip in April as the new minimum wage rates will come into effect, so you need to make sure you’re getting an increased amount.
Workers concerned they’re being underpaid, or have been underpaid, by their employer are advised to speak to the ACAS helpline for advice, or by contacting His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) by submitting an online form.
Independent Commissioner at the Low Pay Commission, Patricia Rice, said: “Since its introduction nearly twenty-five years ago, the national minimum wage has played a vital role in protecting the earnings of the lowest-paid workers in the UK. At a time when the cost-of-living is rising, it is more important than ever that these workers receive the pay to which they are entitled.
“National minimum wage underpayment not only cheats workers of their rightful due, it leaves compliant firms undercut by those who do not abide by the law.”
