Around 1.7million workers should have received a pay boost of 92 pence when the National Minimum Wage increased to £10.42 on April 1. The rise is the biggest annual cash boost in the 24-year history of the minimum wage and one of the largest annual percentage rises (10%).
The increase meant a further 5 million low-paid workers could benefit indirectly from its ‘spillover’ effect as employers look to maintain differentials between pay bands. However, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is urging those on the National Minimum Wage to check that the increase has been applied to their pay as it is illegal for an employer to pay staff less.
In a new post on social media, HMRC tweeted: “Is your employer paying you the correct National Living or Minimum Wage rate? Make sure you get the wages you're entitled to. You’ve earned it, make sure you’re getting it. Check that you’ve been paid the correct amount by your employer.”
The tweet also contained a link to the dedicated pages on GOV.UK for the National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage.
The website has dedicated sections for:
- People aged 23 or over
- People under 23
- People on an apprenticeship
- Whether your employer is paying you properly
- A dedicated section for employers
New hourly pay rates from April 2023
- 23 and over - £10.42
- 21 to 22 - £10.18
- 18 to 20 - £7.49
- Under 18 - £5.28
- Apprentice - £5.28
The guidance states: “If you are a worker aged 23 and over, and not in your first year of an apprenticeship, you are legally entitled to at least the National Living Wage of £10.42 per hour.
“It is illegal for your employer to pay you below the National Living Wage, so check your pay and talk to your manager to make sure you’re getting the wages you are entitled to.”
If your employer is not paying you the correct wage, you can call the Acas helpline for confidential advice on your pay and rights at work - more details here.
If you’re being underpaid or think you’re being underpaid, talk to your employer first before reporting them to HMRC.
Find out how to report an employer to HMRC on GOV.UK here. This only takes five minutes and you can report your employer even if you no longer work for them - your details will not be shared with your employer.
Full details about National Living and Minimum Wage on GOV.UK here.
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