Martin: 'The minimum wage is now £11.44/hr, yet 350,000+ are still UNDERPAID. Check & recover what you're due'

Even M&S, WHSmith and employment agencies get it wrong. Pls help SPREAD WORD

At the start of this month, UK minimum wage rates were increased - forcing employers to boost incomes for the lowest-paid workers. Yet the Low Pay Commission says 365,000 are being underpaid, ie, paid LESS than they legally should be. So if you're on or just above minimum wage, I want to tool you up to detect if you may be being short-changed and, if you are, how to be paid what you're legally entitled to...

The main ways you may be being underpaid when on/near minimum wage. Scan through my summary list here and if any may be you, read the full info in our Minimum wage: Are you being paid enough? guide.

1. UNIFORM, TOOLS & SAFETY CLOTHING. If you must buy them, the cost shouldn't take what you get below the equivalent minimum wage over your pay period (eg, monthly, if paid monthly). This is the most common failing.
2. YOU SHOULD BE PAID FOR ALL WORKING TIME. Including overtime, security checks, handover meetings, opening up, being on call & more. So if you get less than minimum wage once these are factored in, you're owed.
3. CAN'T 'TOP UP' WITH TIPS OR OVERTIME. These must be on top of minimum wage.
4. COMMISSION ONLY? Employers must top up with a salary to meet the minimum wage if you don't earn it.
5. ACCOMMODATION COSTS. Pay can only be reduced by a maximum £69.93/wk below minimum wage if your employer provides accommodation. This includes charges such as rent, gas, electricity, furniture and laundry.
6. NOT 'REAL' APPRENTICESHIPS. 18+ & apprenticeship has no structured training? You may be on the wrong rate.
7. ENSURE YOU GET THE MIN WAGE RISES. It should have just increased, as it does every April, plus it should increase on your 18th and 21st birthdays, taking effect in your first full pay period after the change.

Again, if any ring possibly true, jump to our Are you being paid enough? guide, and if you think you aren't (or weren't based on old rates), you've a legal right to be paid more and to back pay. It can be, though isn't always, simple to do and you can remain anonymous when complaining, as explained in how to claim back underpaid minimum wage.

In June 2023, even M&S was named & shamed, so don't think: 'I work for a big firm, so it must be correct'. Last year, over 200 companies - including M&S, WHSmith, Lloyds Pharmacy and Argos - were named and shamed by the Govt for minimum wage failings. Some explained why and talk about complexities, but even so, it shows no matter who the company or employment agency is, don't assume it got it right...