What is a Payslip?
A payslip is a document that your employer must give you each time you are paid. It shows exactly how much you have earned and what has been taken off your pay, such as tax and National Insurance. Payslips are sometimes called wage slips or salary statements. Their main purpose is to provide a clear record of your pay, including any deductions, so you can see how your wages are calculated and make sure everything is correct.
In the UK, the right to receive a payslip is protected by law. Under the Employment Rights Act 1996, every employee and most workers are entitled to a written itemised payslip on or before payday. This applies whether you are paid weekly, monthly, or at any other interval. Employers who fail to provide payslips are breaking the law, and you have the right to ask for one if you do not receive it.
Payslips are important because they help you understand your pay and spot any mistakes or unexpected deductions. For example, your payslip will show your gross pay (the amount before deductions), the deductions themselves (such as income tax, National Insurance, and pension contributions), and your net pay (the amount you actually receive). This transparency helps you keep track of your earnings and ensures you are being paid correctly.
The details on your payslip can vary depending on your types of employment contracts. For instance, full-time, part-time, zero-hours, and agency workers may see different information on their payslips, especially regarding hours worked or additional payments like overtime or bonuses. It’s important to know which type of contract you have, as this can affect your rights and what your payslip should include.
Checking your payslip regularly is essential. Mistakes can happen, and if you notice any errors—such as missing overtime, incorrect deductions, or wrong personal details—it’s best to raise them with your employer as soon as possible. Keeping an eye on your payslip not only helps you manage your finances but also ensures you are receiving all the pay you are entitled to under UK law.
What Information Must a Payslip Include?
Your employer is legally required to provide you with a payslip on or before your payday. This right is set out in the Employment Rights Act 1996. Payslips must clearly show certain key pieces of information so you can understand exactly how your pay is calculated, what has been deducted, and what you actually receive.
Every payslip must include the following details:
Gross pay: This is your total earnings before any deductions are made. It includes your basic salary or wages, plus any bonuses, overtime, or commission.
Net pay: This is the amount you actually receive after all deductions have been taken off. It’s often called your “take-home” pay.
Deductions: Your payslip must show all deductions from your gross pay. Some are mandatory, and some may be voluntary.
Amount and type of each deduction: Each deduction must be listed separately, such as tax, National Insurance, pension contributions, or student loan repayments.
If your pay varies depending on the hours you work (for example, if you are paid hourly or do overtime), your payslip must also show the number of hours you have worked during the pay period.
Your payslip will usually include several common deductions:
Income Tax: Most employees pay tax through the Pay As You Earn (PAYE) system. The amount deducted depends on your tax code and earnings.
National Insurance (NI): NI contributions help you qualify for certain benefits and the State Pension. The amount is based on your earnings and NI category.
Pension Contributions: If you’re enrolled in a workplace pension scheme, contributions will be deducted from your pay. Your employer may also make contributions.
Student Loan Repayments: If you have a student loan, repayments are automatically deducted once you earn above a certain threshold.
Other Deductions: These might include union fees, charitable donations, or other voluntary arrangements you’ve agreed to.
Each deduction should be clearly labelled so you know exactly what you’re paying and why.
Payslips can look different depending on your employer, but they should always contain the required information. Here’s how to check your payslip:
Start with your gross pay – This should match your agreed salary or hourly rate, including any extra pay for overtime or bonuses.
Look at each deduction – Make sure each deduction is explained and the amounts look correct. If you’re unsure about any, ask your employer for clarification.
Check your net pay – This is what you’ll actually receive in your bank account.
Review your tax code – This affects how much tax you pay. If your tax code looks unfamiliar or you think you’re paying too much tax, you can contact HMRC to check.
Check the number of hours worked – If you’re paid hourly, make sure this matches your records.
Payslips are an important record of your earnings and deductions. They are essential for:
Checking you’re being paid correctly: Mistakes can happen, and a payslip helps you spot any errors quickly.
Proving your income: You may need payslips when applying for loans, mortgages, or benefits.
Understanding your rights: Payslips help you see if you’re being paid at least the National Minimum Wage and receiving correct holiday pay.
Resolving disputes: If there’s ever a disagreement about your pay, your payslips provide crucial evidence.
If you notice any mistakes or if something isn’t clear, it’s important to raise the issue with your employer as soon as possible. Accurate payslip information not only helps you manage your finances but also protects your legal rights at work.
When and How Should You Receive Your Payslip?
In the UK, your employer is legally required to provide you with a payslip every time you are paid. This is set out in the Employment Rights Act 1996. You must receive your payslip on or before your payday, whether you are paid weekly, monthly, or at any other interval. The law applies to all employees and most workers, including those on zero-hour contracts, although genuinely self-employed individuals are not entitled to payslips.
Formats for Payslips
Your employer can give you your payslip in several different ways. Traditionally, payslips were handed out on paper, but it is now common for employers to provide them electronically, such as by email or through a secure online portal. Some employers may also use payroll apps or other agreed methods. As long as you have easy access to your payslip and can keep a record of it, the format is up to your employer—unless your contract states otherwise.
What If You Don’t Receive Your Payslip?
If you do not receive a payslip regularly, or if your employer fails to provide one at all, you have the right to ask for it. Start by raising the issue informally with your employer or payroll department, as it may be a simple oversight. If the problem is not resolved, you can make a formal complaint in writing. If you still do not receive your payslip, you may be able to take the matter to an employment tribunal. This is your legal right, and employers can face penalties for failing to provide payslips as required by law.
Why It’s Important to Keep Your Payslips
It is a good idea to keep all your payslips in a safe place, whether they are paper copies or digital files. Payslips provide important proof of your earnings, tax deductions, and National Insurance contributions. You may need them if you apply for a mortgage or loan, claim benefits, or check your pension record. They can also help you spot any errors in your pay or deductions and resolve disputes with your employer.
Payslips are a vital part of your employment records, so make sure you receive one every payday and keep them for future reference. If you are not getting payslips as you should, remember that this is a legal right you can enforce.
Why Checking Your Payslip Matters
Regularly checking your payslip is essential to make sure you’re being paid correctly and fairly. Your payslip is more than just a record of your earnings—it’s an important legal document that helps you understand your rights and spot any problems before they become serious issues.
Your payslip allows you to confirm that your pay matches what’s stated in your employment contract. Employers in the UK are legally required under the Employment Rights Act 1996 to provide an itemised payslip on or before each payday. This should clearly show your gross pay, any deductions, and your net pay (the amount you actually receive).
If you notice your pay is less than expected, your payslip can help you identify why. For example, it will show if any pay cuts have been made. Any reduction in your pay must be lawful and agreed with you; your employer cannot simply reduce your wages without following the correct legal process.
Payslips must list all deductions, such as tax, National Insurance, pension contributions, or student loan repayments. It’s important to check these deductions are accurate and lawful. Mistakes can happen, and sometimes deductions may be made in error or without your consent. If you spot an unexpected deduction, raise it with your employer straight away to avoid losing money.
Payslips also help you confirm you’re being paid at least the minimum wage for your age and role. By comparing your hours worked and total pay, you can quickly see if your employer is meeting their legal obligations. If you’re paid less than the minimum wage, your payslip is vital evidence if you need to challenge this.
If you’re owed backdated pay—for example, because of a pay rise or correction of an earlier mistake—your payslip should show this clearly. Keeping track of these details helps ensure you receive everything you’re owed.
Mistakes on payslips are not uncommon, whether it’s missing overtime, incorrect deductions, or errors in your hourly rate. By checking your payslip each payday, you can spot and resolve any issues quickly. This reduces the risk of pay disputes and makes it easier to get problems fixed before they affect your finances.
If you do find an error, report it to your employer or payroll department as soon as possible. Keep copies of your payslips as evidence in case you need to raise a formal complaint or claim.
In summary, reviewing your payslip is a simple but powerful way to protect your income, uphold your rights, and ensure you’re treated fairly at work.
What to Do If You Don’t Receive a Payslip or If It’s Incorrect
If your employer does not give you a payslip, or if you notice mistakes in the information provided, it’s important to act quickly. Here’s what you should do to protect your rights and resolve any issues:
Under the Employment Rights Act 1996, all employees and workers in the UK have the right to receive an itemised payslip on or before payday. This applies whether you are paid weekly, monthly, or at any other interval, and includes part-time and zero-hours workers. The payslip must detail your gross pay, deductions (such as tax and National Insurance), and net pay.
Ask Your Employer: If you haven’t received your payslip, first speak to your employer or payroll department. It may be an oversight or administrative error that can be resolved quickly.
Make a Written Request: If the issue isn’t sorted out promptly, make a formal request in writing. Keep a copy of your request for your records.
Check Your Contract: Review your employment contract to see if it mentions how and when payslips are provided (for example, electronically or in paper form).
Review Your Payslip Carefully: Check all details, including your pay rate, hours worked, deductions, and any additional payments such as overtime or bonuses.
Gather Evidence: If you spot an error—such as missing overtime, incorrect tax deductions, or unexplained deductions—collect relevant documents (timesheets, contracts, or previous payslips) to support your case.
Raise the Issue Promptly: Bring any mistakes to your employer’s attention as soon as possible. Errors are easier to correct when identified early, and prompt action may help prevent further problems with your pay.
Payslip errors can affect your income, tax records, and even your ability to claim benefits or apply for loans. By raising concerns promptly, you give your employer the opportunity to correct mistakes before they cause further complications.
If your employer refuses to provide a payslip or does not correct mistakes after you raise the issue:
Follow Company Procedures: Use your employer’s grievance procedure if one exists.
Seek Advice: You can get free advice from organisations such as ACAS (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) or Citizens Advice.
Take Formal Action: You have the right to bring a claim to an employment tribunal if you do not receive a payslip or if your employer fails to correct errors. There are strict time limits for making a claim, so act without delay.
For a step-by-step guide on how to raise concerns and resolve disputes about payslip issues, see our employment dispute procedures.
By understanding your rights and following the correct steps, you can ensure you receive accurate payslips and resolve any payment issues effectively.
Related Topics on Your Payment Rights
Understanding your payslip is just one part of knowing your rights at work. There are several other important topics that can affect your pay and what appears on your payslip. Exploring these related areas can help you protect yourself and ensure you’re receiving everything you’re entitled to.
Backdated Pay Sometimes employers owe workers money for previous periods—for example, if a pay rise was agreed but not applied straight away, or if an error was made in past payments. Learn more about how to claim backdated pay, what evidence you might need, and the time limits for making a claim.
Fair Wages UK law requires that you receive fair wages for the work you do. This means your employer must pay you the amount agreed in your contract, and not make unlawful deductions. If you’re unsure whether your pay is fair or have concerns about deductions, understanding your rights can help you challenge any issues.
Unpaid Wages If your employer hasn’t paid you on time, or at all, you have legal options. Find out what steps to take if you are owed unpaid wages, including how to raise the issue with your employer and when you might need to take further action, such as making a claim to an employment tribunal.
Pay Cuts Employers can’t simply reduce your pay without following proper procedures. Discover your rights around pay cuts, including when a pay reduction is lawful, what notice you should receive, and how to challenge an unfair pay cut.
Minimum Wage It’s a legal requirement that all workers in the UK are paid at least the minimum wage for their age group or apprenticeship status, as set out in the National Minimum Wage Act 1998 and National Living Wage regulations. Find out the current rates and what to do if you think you’re being paid less than you should be.
Final Paycheck When you leave a job, you should receive a final paycheck that includes all outstanding wages, holiday pay, and any other money owed. Learn what should be included, when you should receive it, and how to deal with any disputes.
For a complete overview of your rights at work, including how your pay is calculated, when it should be paid, and what to do if things go wrong, visit our main payment rights page. Knowing your full rights helps ensure you’re treated fairly and gives you the confidence to address any problems with your pay or payslip.
