Are you being paid less than minimum wage?

The UK minimum wage increased on April 1, yet many are being paid LESS than they should – this could be almost half a million people, according to the Low Pay Commission.

The minimum wage is the legal minimum an employer can pay anyone working in any UK nation, and the rate varies by age.

The rates since April 1, are: Apprentices and under-18s: £4.81 Age 18-20: £6.83 Age 21-22: £9.18 Age 23+: £9.50 Each year, charity The Living Wage Foundation announces its REAL living wage; a voluntary employers’ wage scheme, based on an assessment of the actual cost of living. Currently in the UK it’s set at £9.90/hr, except London where it’s £11.05/hr – so higher than the minimum wage above – but not compulsory.

Almost 10,000 UK employers have pledged to pay the real living wage. You can check whether yours is one of them on livingwage.org.uk

How you could be underpaid the national minimum wage?

While bad bosses refusing to pay proper wages are an issue, most of the time underpayments happen by mistake. Here are some reasons... Paying for a uniform or safety equipment which takes you below minimum wage: This is a firm’s most common failing. If you have to buy a uniform or safety equipment and doing so takes your equivalent hourly salary under the minimum wage, your employer should cover the cost. Employers can’t ‘top you up’ with commission, tips, or overtime: Your base salary must at least be the minimum wage. If you are commission-only, the firm must ensure you receive at least the equivalent of minimum wage for hours worked.

You should be paid for ALL the time you work: If you spend time going through security checks, doing handover meetings, being on call (at your workplace), or closing/opening up your place of work, this is work and should be hours you’re paid for. If not, you’re owed money. This also includes travel time if it’s part of your job, such as a care worker doing home visits.

If your employer provides you accommodation, it can reduce your pay – but only by a set amount: Read the full rules at moneysavingexpert. com/nationalminimumwage

You should get a pay rise every year on April 1, and see an increase when you turn 18, 21 and 23.

What to do if you think you’re being underpaid?

Use the Government’s gov.uk/am-igetting-minimum-wage calculator to help you check what you should be getting paid. Or call the free ACAS helpline on 03001231100. Then, if you feel comfortable, approach your employer and ask if they’ve made a mistake. Or can ask HMRC to contact them (you’ll remain anonymous) – you can submit a form on gov.uk

Martin Lewis is the founder and chair of moneysavingexpert.com

Make sure you are paid the correct amount