HMRC has urged all UK workers to check that they have received the correct amount after receiving reports of workers not receiving the minimum wage.
In fiscal 2020, more than 150,000 workers were found to have missed their wages – a total of over £ 16 million.
HMRC worked with workers and their employers to reclaim their pay owed and to impose over £ 14 million in fines.
READ MORE: You could be owed £ 200 in overpaid council tax by this south London community
MyLondon The 12’s brilliant new newsletter is packed with news, views, features and opinions from around the city.
Every day around 12 noon we will send you a free 12 story email to keep you entertained, informed and cheered. It’s the perfect midday reading.
The MyLondon team tells London stories for Londoners. Our 45 journalists cover all the news you need – from town hall to your local streets.
Don’t miss a moment by signing up for The 12 newsletter here.
Now it is warning workers that money may be owed to them too, reports the Daily Record.
It also shared some of the employers’ most shocking excuses used to avoid paying workers the minimum wage.
These include:
Steve Timewell, HMRC’s Director of Individuals and Small Business Compliance said, “The majority of UK employers pay their workers at least the national minimum wage, but this list shows some of the excuses our enforcement officers are provided by less scrupulous companies.”
He continued, “Being underpaid is no joke for workers, so we always apply the law and take action. Workers cannot be asked or asked to sign their rights.
“We ensure workers are paid what they are due and remind employers of the rules and the help available to them as the economy reopens.”
HMRC said it would take action against employers who underpay their employees with “heavy fines and other enforcement measures”.
National minimum hourly wage rates for 2021
Anyone who is not paid what is due can complain online here at GOV.UK.
If you would like to speak to someone in confidence about your wage rate, call the Acas Pay and Work Rights Helpline on 0300 123 1100 who can transfer the call to HMRC.
Employers can also contact the Acas Helpline for free help and advice.
Would you like more about your money messages straight to your inbox? Register here for our tailor-made newsletter.
