WORKERS are being reminded to ‘Check Your Pay’ over the Christmas period. This includes seasonal staff on short-term contracts working in retail, hotels, Christmas markets, bars, restaurants, garden centres, warehouses and most other employment settings.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is urging workers to make sure they receive at least the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage. Temporary seasonal staff, people on short-term contracts and students employed over the Christmas period are legally entitled to the same minimum pay rates as other workers.

People should check their hourly wage and look out for other things that can lead to underpayment. These include unpaid working time, such as starting early or staying late to open and close premises, cleaning or completing mandatory training outside of working hours, and making sure they are paid properly for extra shifts covered. Also, if employers deduct money for things like uniforms or equipment and this takes a worker’s pay below the minimum wage, this is not acceptable and should be reported.

In 2024-25 HMRC identified wage arrears of £5.8 million due to 25,200 underpaid UK workers and issued around 750 penalties totalling £4.2 million to non-compliant employers.

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.”

The National Minimum Wage hourly rates are currently:-

· £12.21 - Age 21 and over (National Living Wage)

· £10.00 - Age 18 to 20

· £7.55 - Age under 18

· £7.55 - Apprentice (aged under 19 / aged 19 or over and in the 1st year of their apprenticeship)

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 5 minutes to complete, reports can be made at any time, even after the job has ended, and can be submitted confidentially.

To speak with someone, raise a concern or get further information about the National Minimum Wage, phone the Acas Pay and Work Rights Helpline on 0300 123 1100 for confidential, free advice (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm).

Information and support are available for employers to ensure they are paying their workers correctly:-
· view the online employers’ guide on calculating the minimum wage
· watch recorded videos and webinars
· view the advice for employers section on the GOV.UK Check Your Pay website.

Employers can also contact Acas, or the Labour Relations Agency in Northern Ireland, for advice.