Introduction
Are you unsure about your rights when it comes to getting paid the minimum wage? This article will help you understand the National Minimum Wage and your entitlements as a worker in the UK. If you find yourself facing issues with underpayment or have questions about your employment status, Contend’s highly trained AI legal experts are here to guide you. With Contend, you can easily navigate your legal challenges and ensure you receive the fair pay you deserve. Read on to learn more about your rights and how to take action.
If you’re working, you deserve to be paid fairly. In the UK, there are laws in place to ensure that most workers earn at least the National Minimum Wage, and for those aged 21 and over, the National Living Wage. Here’s what you need to know about your rights regarding pay.
What is the Minimum Wage and Living Wage?
The National Minimum Wage is the lowest amount you can be paid for your work, depending on your age and whether you are an apprentice. The National Living Wage is a higher rate that applies to workers aged 21 and over. Here’s a quick breakdown of the current rates:
| Age Group | Wage Type | Hourly Rate (Before Tax) |
|—————|—————-|——————————-|
| 21 and over | National Living Wage | £11.44 |
| 18-20 | National Minimum Wage | £8.60 |
| 16-17 | National Minimum Wage | £6.40 |
| Apprentices (16-18 or first year, if 19+) | National Minimum Wage | £6.40 |
To check if you’re being paid correctly, you can use the National Minimum Wage calculator on the GOV.UK website.
Who is Entitled to Minimum Wage?
Most workers are entitled to at least the minimum wage, including:
- Employees
- Casual workers
- Agency workers
However, there are some exceptions. You are not entitled to minimum wage if you are:
- Under 16
- In the armed forces
- Volunteering or doing work experience
- In prison
- Certain trainees and interns (eligibility can be complicated)
- Some farm workers (check specific rules here)
If you’re unsure about your employment status, it’s a good idea to reach out to Contend’s legal expert chat for personalized guidance.
What to Do If You Think You’re Underpaid
If you suspect you’re not being paid correctly, the first step is to talk to your employer. Here are some steps to guide you:
- Have a Conversation: Approach your employer and ask them to explain how your pay is calculated. You can show them your results from the National Minimum Wage calculator to support your case.
- Raise a Grievance: If talking doesn’t resolve the issue, check if your employer has a formal grievance procedure. You can write a letter explaining your concerns and request the owed amount.
- Seek Help from Contend: If your grievance doesn’t lead to a resolution, you can use Contend’s legal expert chat for support. Their highly trained AI legal experts can help you understand your options and guide you through the process.
- Consider a Tribunal: If all else fails, you can take your employer to a tribunal. Remember, you must notify Acas before doing this and you have three months (minus a day) from the last underpayment to file your claim.
- Report Your Employer: You can also report your employer to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) if you believe they are not complying with minimum wage laws. While this could lead to an investigation, it may take time, so don’t rely solely on this for immediate payment.
Know Your Rights
It’s important to remember that you are protected from unfair treatment or dismissal if you report your employer. If you’re concerned about your identity being revealed, you can inform Contend that you wish to remain anonymous when seeking guidance.
If you’re facing challenges at work regarding your pay, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. You deserve to be paid fairly for your work, and Contend’s resources are available to support you in asserting your rights. Contend is the Easiest Legal Help in the UK.
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