UK Workers Could Be Due Up to £2,971 from HMRC: Full List of What You Can Claim
Employees across the UK are being urged to review their work-related expenses, as many could be eligible for substantial reimbursements from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). With £6 million recently repaid to workers due to minimum wage errors, experts emphasise that checking your earnings and claims regularly can prevent missing out on significant sums over several years.
Mileage Allowance Relief
If you use your personal vehicle for work travel, you are entitled to 45p per mile for the first 10,000 miles. Should your employer pay less than this rate, you can claim the tax relief difference from HMRC by submitting a detailed mileage log. For example, if you travel 500 miles annually with an underpayment of 15p per mile, this could result in a potential annual claim of £75.
Professional Body Subscriptions
Workers in sectors such as healthcare, human resources, and engineering may claim tax relief on professional membership fees required for their roles. These claims can be backdated for up to four years, provided the organisation is on HMRC's approved list. On average, this offers a potential annual claim of £150.
Specialist Tools and Equipment
Trade, technical, and creative professionals who purchase their own essential machinery or hardware could be eligible for significant tax relief. This is often claimed through the Annual Investment Allowance for items necessary for daily duties. Different tax rules apply to items with a lifespan of two years or less, like branded uniforms or small hand tools. Even minor individual costs can accumulate over years, leading to a meaningful rebate, with a potential annual claim estimated at £1,110 based on industry surveys.
Statutory Sick Pay Underpayments
If you have been unwell for more than three consecutive days, you are entitled to the current SSP rate of £118.75 per week. Errors often occur during contractual changes or linked sickness periods, so it's crucial to cross-reference your sick pay against official rates. If you suspect an underpayment, first request written confirmation from your employer, and if unresolved, escalate to HMRC's Statutory Payment Disputes Team. A potential claim could be £356.25 for three weeks of underpaid SSP.
Unpaid Holiday Entitlement
Every worker is legally entitled to 5.6 weeks of paid leave per year, starting from their first day of employment, including those on zero-hours contracts or temporary agency agreements. Holiday pay must reflect "normal" earnings, including regular overtime from the previous year. If your employer pays only basic rates during leave despite extra hours, you could be owed significant arrears, with a potential annual claim of £1,533.20 based on two weeks' unpaid leave at the average UK full-time salary.
Expert Advice and Combined Claims
Workplace experts recommend checking your tax code annually to avoid overtaxing, as early detection of discrepancies simplifies financial corrections. By combining claims for mileage, professional fees, equipment, and unpaid leave, the average underpaid worker could be entitled to £2,971. Mark Hall, managing director at Protecting.co.uk, notes that while individual claims may seem small, they "add up to a meaningful amount" over time, highlighting the importance of proactive financial checks.
