Workers earning the minimum wage across the UK have been advised there is no need to wait for payday to check their earnings. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has encouraged people to verify their wages in advance using the HMRC app.
Minimum Wage Increase
National minimum wage rates rose at the start of April. The amount you receive depends on your age and apprenticeship status. Many may be unaware that waiting for payday is not necessary to view earnings, as this information is accessible via the HMRC app.
Writing on social media platform X today, Monday, April 27, HMRC stated: "National Minimum Wage has increased. No need to wait for payday surprises. Check your pay before it lands in your bank with the HMRC app. Download it today."
Current Rates
Following an increase on April 1, the hourly rates are now:
- £12.71 for workers aged 21 and over
- £10.85 for workers aged 18 to 20
- £8 for under 18s and apprentices
The HMRC App
You can use the app to check your:
- Tax code
- Income and benefits
- Employment and income records spanning the previous five years
- Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) for Self Assessment purposes
- Self Assessment tax details and outstanding amounts
- Child Benefit information
- State Pension projections
- National Insurance contribution shortfalls
The application is available for download via the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Upon installation, open the app and input your Government Gateway user ID and password for your initial login. If you do not have a user ID, one can be generated through the app itself. You can then access the app by signing in using either a six-digit PIN, your fingerprint, or facial recognition.
What to Do If You Are Not Being Paid Correctly
The Government website recommends that workers who think their pay is below the correct minimum wage rate should talk to their employer first. However, if this does not solve the problem, they can ask the employer in writing to see their payment records.
GOV.UK states: "The worker can take someone with them and make copies of the records. If an employer owes the worker any arrears they have to pay these back." Workers can call the confidential Acas helpline to help them solve a payment dispute. The number is 0300 123 1100, open Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm.
Workers can also make a complaint to HMRC about their employer or employment agency, or complain on behalf of someone else. GOV.UK continues: "If HMRC find that the employer has not paid they will send them a notice for the arrears plus a fine for not paying the minimum wage. HMRC can take them to court on behalf of the worker if the employer still refuses to pay." Workers can also go directly to the employment tribunal themselves. Workers who have been dismissed because of a minimum wage dispute can also complain to the employment tribunal for unfair dismissal.
For more information, visit GOV.UK.
