HMRC Urges UK Workers to Verify December Payslips to Avoid Underpayment

As the holiday season approaches, HMRC has issued a crucial warning to thousands of UK workers to carefully review their December payslips. Seasonal and temporary staff, in particular, are reminded that they are legally entitled to receive at least the national minimum wage, and HMRC is committed to ensuring that no worker is shortchanged this year.

Workers are advised to check their hourly wages closely and be vigilant for common causes of underpayment. These can include unpaid activities such as clocking in early or staying late to open or close premises, performing cleaning duties, completing mandatory training outside of paid hours, or working extra shifts without proper compensation.

Employers must also avoid making deductions for items like uniforms or equipment that reduce payments below the legal minimum wage threshold. Such practices are against the law and should be reported promptly.

In the fiscal year 2024–2025, HMRC uncovered £5.8 million in unpaid wages owed to 25,200 workers across the UK. Additionally, about 750 employers faced penalties totaling £4.2 million for failing to comply with wage regulations.

Kevin Hubbard, HMRC’s Director of Individuals and Small Business Compliance, emphasized the importance of pay checks this season: “We want to make certain that workers are paid correctly this Christmas. If you notice any discrepancies in your hourly rate or deductions that leave you under the minimum wage, it’s important to act.”

HMRC encourages anyone concerned about their pay, or someone else’s, to report it online via the GOV.UK ‘Check Your Pay’ service. The reporting process takes just five minutes, can be done any time—even after leaving a job—and is handled confidentially to protect those who come forward.

Ensuring fair pay helps make work more rewarding for everyone—especially during the busy holiday period.