he National Minimum Wage Campaign gives employers a chance to check they’re paying their employees the correct minimum wage, and make sure they pay any money owed to employees.
Common mistakes
Employees have a legal right to the National Minimum Wage.
Most employers pay at least the National Minimum Wage, but there are some common mistakes that can mean employees don’t get what they’re entitled to.
For example, when you work out if someone is getting the National Minimum Wage:
- you can’t include tips
- you must work out their pay after deductions, eg for uniform rental
If you’re not sure, check that you’re paying the National Minimum Wage.
What to do if you haven’t been paying National Minimum Wage
- Make sure you pay employees the National Minimum Wage in future.
- Pay your employees what you owe them (based on today’s National Minimum Wage rates).
- Use the online notification form to tell HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) about any National Minimum Wage arrears you need to pay, or call the helpline on 0300 123 2671.
- Use the online disclosure form to tell HMRC once you’ve paid your National Minimum Wage arrears.
If you tell HMRC about National Minimum Wage arrears right away, you won’t:
- have to pay a penalty (100% of what you owe, up to a maximum of £20,000 per employee)
- be named publicly on the list of employers not paying National Minimum Wage
Check the National Minimum Wage case studies for more information about penalties and common mistakes.
Get help
If you have a question about paying the National Minimum Wage, check the National Minimum Wage Campaign guidance or call the helpline on 0300 123 2671.