Workers are being urged to check they’re not being underpaid.
Brits working over Christmas have been issued a warning after thousands of people have been left underpaid. HMRC is urging festive workers to “check their pay” to ensure they get the right amount.
Officials say all workers, including those in temporary roles over Christmas, are legally entitled to receive at least the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage. They advise all workers to verify their hourly rate and look out for other factors that may result in underpayment, including unpaid work time, such as arriving early or remaining late to shut or clean a premises, as well as making sure they are paid for additional shifts.
As reported by the Mirror, bosses should never take money for items like uniforms or equipment if this pushes a worker’s pay below the minimum wage. In 2024-25, HMRC identified around 25,200 underpaid workers and issued around 750 penalties to non-compliant employers.
Kevin Hubbard, HMRC Director, Individuals and Small Business Compliance, said: “We want to make sure that workers are paid this Christmas correctly. People should check their hourly rate and look out for any deductions or unpaid working time, which could take them below the minimum wage.”
He added: “Always make sure that you check your pay. If you think you have been short-changed, even if you no longer work for the employer, we are here to help. Visit GOV.UK and search ‘check your pay’ to find the information you need.”
HMRC has issued advice to all workers. (Image: Getty)
The current UK minimum wage for anyone aged 21 or over is £12.21 per hour. This is set to rise by 50p to £12.71 in April 2026.
Meanwhile, minimum wage for those aged between 18 and 20 is currently £10, with this figure set to rise to £10.85 in April. For those between 16 and 17 years and apprentices under 19, the minimum wage is currently £7.55 and is set to increase to £8.21 next year.
HMRC stated: “Anyone not getting the correct pay, or concerned that someone they know may not be receiving what they are due, can report it to HMRC online. It takes around five minutes to complete, reports can be made at any time, even after the job has ended, and can be submitted confidentially.”
