Workers are being urged to make an important check this month.
HMRC is urging seasonal workers to check their payslips in December (Image: Getty)
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has issued a payslip warning to seasonal staff who are working over the Christmas and New Year period. The government department is urging workers to check their payslip to make sure they are receiving at least the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage.
Currently, the National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over is £12.21 per hour. The National Minimum Wage, which applies to workers aged 20 and under, is currently £10 per hour for 18 to 20 year-olds, £7.55 for under 18s and £7.55 for apprentices. Temporary seasonal staff, workers on short-term contracts and students employed over the Christmas period are all legally entitled to the same minimum pay rates as other workers, and HMRC is urging people to check their pay to make sure they aren’t missing out on what they are entitled to.
As well as checking their hourly wage, HMRC has advised people to look out for other things this month that can lead to underpayment.
This includes unpaid working time, such as starting early or closing late to open and close premises, cleaning or completing mandatory training outside of working hours, and making sure you’ve been properly paid for any extra shifts covered.
Additionally, if employers deduct money for things like uniforms or equipment and this takes your pay below the minimum wage, this should be reported to HMRC.
Kevin Hubbard, HMRC Director Individuals and Small Business Compliance, said: “We want to make sure that workers are paid correctly this Christmas.
“People should check their hourly rate and look out for any deductions or unpaid working time, which could take them below the minimum wage.
“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.”
Any worker that finds they aren’t getting the correct pay can report it to HMRC online by filling out an online form.
Alternatively, you can raise a concern or get further information about the National Minimum Wage by phoning the Acas Pay and Work Rights Helpline on 0300 123 1100 for confidential free advice.
