In a pre-Christmas alert, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has issued a direct warning to thousands of workers across the United Kingdom: scrutinise your December payslip or risk being short-changed.
Why You Must Check Your Pay This Christmas
The tax authority is urging all employees, with a particular focus on temporary seasonal staff, to take a few minutes to 'Check Your Pay'. This campaign highlights that all temporary workers are legally entitled to receive at least the same National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates as permanent employees. The initiative is part of the Labour Party government's broader action to 'Make Work Pay' and prevent worker exploitation.
HMRC advises people to carefully verify their hourly wage and be vigilant for several common practices that can lead to effective underpayment. These include any unpaid working time, which might involve tasks performed outside of paid hours.
- Starting early or finishing late to open or close business premises.
- Time spent cleaning or completing mandatory training without pay.
- Ensuring extra shifts or cover are paid at the correct rate.
Furthermore, the warning covers unlawful deductions. If an employer deducts money for items like uniforms or necessary equipment, and this action pulls the worker's total pay below the legal minimum wage threshold, it is considered unacceptable and reportable.
The Scale of Underpayment and How to Report It
The call to action is backed by stark figures. In the 2024 to 2025 period, HMRC identified £5.8 million in wage arrears owed to approximately 25,200 underpaid UK workers. During the same period, the authority issued around 750 penalties to non-compliant employers, totalling a substantial £4.2 million.
Kevin Hubbard, HMRC Director for Individuals and Small Business Compliance, stated: "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."
He emphasised the ongoing nature of support, adding: "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."
Taking Action is Simple and Confidential
For those needing to verify their rights or report a concern, the process has been streamlined. HMRC directs individuals to visit GOV.UK and search for the phrase 'check your pay' to access all necessary guidance and reporting tools.
Anyone who believes they are not receiving the correct pay, or is concerned about someone else's situation, can file a report directly with HMRC online. The authority confirms that the online form takes roughly five minutes to complete. Reports can be submitted at any time—even after the employment has ended—and the process is fully confidential.
This festive season, HMRC's message is clear: protecting your pay is a right, not a privilege, and vigilance is the first step towards ensuring you receive every penny you are owed.
