We would like to remind any students and seasonal staff that work part time, for example in a summer job, to ensure they are being paid the National Minimum Wage (NMW). All workers are legally entitled to be paid the NMW. This includes temporary seasonal staff, who often work short-term contracts in bars, hotels, shops and warehouses over the summer.
HMRC helped some 155,000 people recover more than £16 million in pay which was due to them. HMRC is reminding workers to check their hourly rate of pay, and to also check any deductions or unpaid working time. The most common causes of minimum wage underpayment are deductions and unpaid working time such as travelling time between work locations and training time.
The current National Minimum Wage (NMW) and National Living Wage (NLW) rates came into effect on 1 April 2021. The NLW is the minimum hourly rate that must be paid to those aged 23 or over. The hourly rate of the NMW (for 21-22 year olds) is £8.36. The rates for 18-20 year olds is £6.56 and the rate for workers above the school leaving age but under 18 is £4.62.
Employees that are not being paid correctly can make an official complaint through GOV.UK or contact the ACAS Pay and Work Rights Helpline on 0300 123 1100.