Martin Lewis warns minimum wage workers of seven ways…

Martin Lewis warns minimum wage workers of seven ways they could be 'underpaid'

Martin Lewis has warned all workers on minimum wage to be aware of several ways they could unknowingly be "underpaid" by their employer.

The MoneySavingExpert founder appeared on Wednesday's edition of ITV's Good Morning Britain, dishing out his usual top tips on how to be more savvy with your cash. This included an update on the minimum wage rates - and Martin urged workers to not only be aware of the new hourly rates after they went up at the start of the month, but also to make sure they aren't being paid less than they should be due to factors such as paying for uniform, getting tips, or working on commission.

"Don't think all of these are for little firms trying to play fast and loose - in the past we have had name-and-shames of many big companies who have got it wrong," he warned. "Don't assume if you're on minimum pay working for a big firm that you're being paid the right amount - go through this checklist."

Martin reminded viewers of the UK's minimum wage rates as of April 1, which are as follows:

Over 22 years old: £10.42/hr
21 to 22 years old: £10.18/hr
18 to 20 years old: £7.49/hr
Apprentices and under-18s: £5.28/hr

Apprentices are entitled to the apprentice rate if they are either aged under 19, or aged 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship. Apprentices who are both aged 19 or over and have completed the first year of their apprenticeship are entitled to the minimum wage for their age.

Martin explained that these rates also apply to salaried workers, not just those who are paid on an hourly basis. He also warned minimum wage workers to make sure they are familiar with some of the main ways that they could be "underpaid", including:

Buying uniform, tools and safety clothing - If you must buy any of these for your employment, the cost of them should not take you below minimum wage and your employer is not allowed to let this happen
Not being paid for all working time - You should be paid for all of the hours you spend working, which includes overtime as well as training, travel time (not commuting), waiting time, and opening up time if you work in a shop, for example
Not getting the right amount for your age - Your pay should rise when you turn 18, 21 and 23 if you are getting minimum wage. The minimum wage should also rise each April on the first full pay cycle that comes after April 1 - make sure that you are getting the pay rises you're entitled to
Paying accommodation costs - For anyone who gets accommodation as part of their job, their employer is allowed to reduce their pay below the minimum wage, but only by a maximum of £63.70 per week. This includes charges such as rent, gas, electricity, furniture and laundry
Getting tips or overtime - Any tips you receive as part of your job must be on top of the minimum wage, and do not count towards it. In addition, your employer can not use higher overtime rates as a justification for paying you lower than the minimum wage
Commission only jobs - If you are working on commission only, your employer must top up your pay to meet the minimum wage, and if you have no set hours this should be worked out via a "fair estimate" of how long it would take you to do the job
Apprentice rates - If you are being paid the apprentice tier of minimum wage, you should be receiving structured training. You must be paid for your normal working hours, plus training that's part of your apprenticeship - at least 20% of your normal working hours - and study towards English and maths qualifications if these are also part of your apprenticeship. You can read more about apprenticeship pay and conditions here.

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