HMRC issues Christmas pay warning after thousands given wrong wage | UK | News
Brits working over Christmas have received a warning after thousands were underpaid. HMRC is urging festival workers to “check their pay” to make sure they are getting the correct amount.
Authorities say all workers, including those on temporary assignments over Christmas, are legally entitled to receive at least the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage. They advise all workers to verify their hourly rates and be mindful of other factors that could result in underpayment, including unpaid work time such as arriving early or staying late to close or clean a facility, as well as to make sure they are getting paid for additional shifts.
As reported by MirrorBosses should never charge for items like uniforms or equipment if it would drop a worker’s wage below minimum wage. HMRC identified around 25,200 low-paid workers in 2024-25 and issued around 750 fines to employers who did not comply with the rules.
Kevin Hubbard, HMRC’s Director of Personal and Small Business Compliance, said: “We want to make sure workers are paid correctly this Christmas. People should check their hourly pay and look out for deductions or unpaid working time that could leave them below the minimum wage.”
He added: “Always make sure you check your pay. If you think you’ve been short-changed, even if you’re no longer working for the employer, we’re here to help. Visit GOV.UK and search for ‘check your payment’ To find the information you need.”
The current minimum wage for anyone aged 21 and over in the UK is £12.21 per hour. This figure is expected to rise by 50p to £12.71 in April 2026.
Meanwhile, the minimum wage for 18 to 20-year-olds is currently £10, with this figure expected to rise to £10.85 in April. The minimum wage for 16 to 17-year-olds and apprentices under 19 is currently £7.55, with plans to rise to £8.21 next year.
HMRC said: “Anyone who is not receiving the correct pay, or is concerned that someone they know is not getting the pay they are entitled to, can report it to HMRC online. It takes around five minutes to complete; reports can be made and sent confidentially at any time, even after the job has been completed.”
