Workers are being urged to check they’re being paid at least the minimum wage and not missing out on money.
HMRC helped 155,000 Brits get back more than £16million in the 2020/21 tax year because they weren’t being paid the minimal amount required by law.
In one case, a marketing executive named only as Amber received £1,900 in back pay as she wasn’t being paid enough.
The money was awarded following a HMRC investigation after Amber raised concerns about being underpaid.
In the UK, all workers are legally entitled to be paid the national minimum wage, which varies depending on your age.
Have you got money back are being underpaid? Let us know: mirror.money.saving@mirror.co.uk
The national minimum wage starts from £4.30 per hour for those working as an apprentice.
If you’re under 18, the minimum amount you can be paid is £4.62 per hour, rising to £6.56 for those aged 18 to 20, and £8.36 for people aged 21 to 22.
Those aged 23 and above get paid the national living wage and are entitled to a minimum of £8.91 per hour.
All workers are entitled to the correct minimum wage including those on a temporary contract, people working part-time or on a casual basis, or those still within their training period.
People who aren’t required by law to be paid a minimal amount include those who are self-employed and running their own business, company directors and volunteers.
HMRC said the most common causes of underpayment are deductions and unpaid working time.
For example, this could be deductions for the cost of uniforms, training time, or travelling time between work locations.
Steve Timewell, director of individuals and small business compliance at HMRC, said: "We want to ensure that seasonal workers and students are being paid what they are entitled to and, as the economy reopens, help employers if they are unsure of the rules.
"Workers should check their hourly rate and look out for any deductions or unpaid working time which would reduce their pay."
How to check if you’ve been underpaid
To see if you’ve been underpaid, you’ll need to go through your payslips and check them against the minimum rates.
If you think you haven’t been paid enough, you should first talk to your employer to give them the chance to rectify the situation.
If this doesn’t solve the problem, you can complain to HMRC via the Gov.uk website .
They’ll then investigate your complaint and if you have been underpaid, you’ll get the money back that you’re due.
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.
Another way to complain about being underpaid is via the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) pay and work rights helpline on 0300 123 1100.
