HMRC points Christmas pay warning after hundreds given incorrect wage | UK | News | EUROtoday

Brits working over Christmas have been issued a warning after hundreds of individuals have been left underpaid. HMRC is urging festive staff to “check their pay” to make sure they get the correct quantity.

Officials say all staff, together with these in non permanent roles over Christmas, are legally entitled to obtain a minimum of the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage. They advise all staff to confirm their hourly fee and look out for different components that will end in underpayment, together with unpaid work time, equivalent to arriving early or remaining late to close or clear a premises, in addition to ensuring they’re paid for added shifts.

As reported by the Mirror, bosses ought to by no means take cash for gadgets like uniforms or gear if this pushes a employee’s pay under the minimal wage. In 2024-25, HMRC recognized round 25,200 underpaid staff and issued round 750 penalties to non-compliant employers.

Kevin Hubbard, HMRC Director, Individuals and Small Business Compliance, stated: “We want to make sure that workers are paid this Christmas correctly. 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 added: “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 present UK minimal wage for anybody aged 21 or over is £12.21 per hour. This is about to rise by 50p to £12.71 in April 2026.

Meanwhile, minimal wage for these aged between 18 and 20 is presently £10, with this determine set to rise to £10.85 in April. For these between 16 and 17 years and apprentices beneath 19, the minimal wage is presently £7.55 and is about to extend to £8.21 subsequent 12 months.

HMRC acknowledged: “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 five minutes to complete, reports can be made at any time, even after the job has ended, and can be submitted confidentially.”