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1. This is guidance — and only ever guidance

Everything produced by ukworkrights.co.uk is general guidance. It is not legal advice. It is not a substitute for advice from a qualified solicitor. Never treat it as the final word — use it as a starting point, then check and take responsibility for any action you take.

2. AI can make mistakes

The guidance is generated by artificial intelligence. AI can and does make mistakes — wrong dates, wrong figures, wrong legal references, missed nuances. Read everything carefully. If the matter is serious, get it checked by ACAS, Citizens Advice, or a qualified solicitor before acting on it.

3. Verified figures and guidance sources

Statutory figures (such as rates for minimum wage, SSP, redundancy, pension contributions, council tax bands, flight compensation amounts, and benefit rates) are verified against GOV.UK, ACAS, Citizens Advice, and relevant regulatory bodies. Laws and rates change regularly. Always verify important figures at gov.uk before making decisions or taking action.

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6. Useful Official Resources

  • ACAS — Free employment advice: 0300 123 1100 — acas.org.uk
  • Citizens Advice — Free legal guidance: 0800 144 8848 — citizensadvice.org.uk
  • GOV.UK — Official UK government guidance: gov.uk
  • ICO — Data protection queries: 0303 123 1113 — ico.org.uk
  • Financial Ombudsman — Financial disputes: 0800 023 4567 — financial-ombudsman.org.uk
  • Energy Ombudsman — Energy disputes: energyombudsman.org
  • NHS — Healthcare guidance: nhs.uk
  • Veterans UK: 0808 1914 218
  • Jobcentre Plus (existing benefit claims): 0800 169 0310

For personal injury claims, immigration advice, criminal matters, or complex legal situations — always consult a regulated solicitor. Find one at solicitors.lawsociety.org.uk or gov.uk/find-a-solicitor.

7. Scope of this service

This service covers a wide range of UK rights topics including employment, housing, benefits, consumer rights, driving, NHS complaints, data protection, tax, school rights, wills and probate, energy, travel, and more. For all topics, the guidance is general in nature. For regulated activities — including personal injury claims, immigration applications, criminal defence, and financial advice — you must use a regulated professional.

The law is not the same across the UK. England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland differ — sometimes substantially — on housing, tribunals, employment procedure, benefits, education, and wills and probate. Your guidance is tailored to the nation you selected at the top of the page, so please make sure it is right before you rely on the answer. If you live in one nation and the matter arose in another, say so in your description. Where a rule applies in only part of the UK, the guidance should say so — if it does not, treat that as a reason to check with one of the services listed above.

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💷 Employment & Pay Guide

Employment Pay Rights: Know What You're Owed in 2026

Whether you're on minimum wage, a zero-hours contract, or have had money wrongly deducted from your pay, this guide explains your pay rights, what the law guarantees, and exactly what to do if you're being underpaid.

✅ Last verified: July 2026📚 Sources: GOV.UK, ACAS, HMRC, Fair Work Agency🇬🇧 Applies across the UK

⚖ Know Your Rights at a Glance

⏰ Wage deduction claims have a strict time limit

Claims for unlawful deduction from wages must be brought within 3 months less one day of the deduction (changing to 6 months from 1 October 2026). Series of deductions: you can claim up to 2 years back in England, Wales and Scotland.

🆕 Fair Work Agency operational from 7 April 2026

The Fair Work Agency now enforces NMW, holiday pay and SSP underpayments. Penalties for holiday pay underpayment are 200% of the amount owed, capped at £20,000 per individual.

National Minimum Wage rates (April 2026)

Age groupRate (from April 2026)
21 and over (National Living Wage)£12.71/hour
18–20£10.85/hour
Under 18£8.00/hour
Apprentice (under 19, or 19+ in first year)£8.00/hour

Tips, bonuses and uniform deductions cannot reduce your NMW. If your take-home pay after any deductions falls below NMW, that is an underpayment.

Statutory Sick Pay — day-one right from 6 April 2026

SSP is £123.25/week, paid from day one of sickness (for 4+ consecutive days including non-working days). There are no waiting days and no minimum earnings threshold. Your employer can pay more via contractual sick pay — check your contract.

Holiday pay and mileage

5.6 weeks (28 days full-time) holiday is a legal entitlement. For irregular hours, holiday pay is 12.07% of hours worked. HMRC approved mileage rate for cars from 6 April 2026: 55p per mile for first 10,000 miles, 25p thereafter (increased from 45p — first change since 2011).

Tips (since 1 October 2024)

Employers must pass all tips to workers in full. No deductions except tax. Tips must be paid by end of the following month. A written tips policy is required. The Tipping Act does not apply in Northern Ireland.

1
Check your hourly rate against NMW

Divide gross pay by hours worked. If below £12.71/hour (age 21+), you are being underpaid.

2
Request payslips in writing

You're entitled to itemised payslips from day one. Keep copies.

3
Raise it informally first

Many pay errors are genuine mistakes. Speak to HR and note the response.

4
Submit a formal written grievance

If informal resolution fails, write a grievance letter with dates and amounts. Keep a copy.

5
Report to the Fair Work Agency

For NMW, holiday pay or SSP: report at gov.uk. They can enforce and apply 200% penalties.

6
Contact ACAS and consider a tribunal claim

For unlawful deduction from wages, contact ACAS for early conciliation. Time limits apply.

💷 Check Your Pay Rights

Describe your pay situation and get instant guidance on what you're owed.

Use the Free Checker →

Frequently asked questions

My employer pays me a salary — does NMW still apply?
Yes. Divide your weekly pay by actual hours worked. If below NMW, your employer is breaking the law.
Can my employer pay me in cash?
Yes, cash wages are legal as long as the amount meets NMW and you receive a payslip.
I'm on a zero-hours contract — do I get holiday pay?
Yes. For irregular hours, it's 12.07% of hours worked, paid as rolled-up holiday pay (itemised separately).
Can my employer deduct money for a till shortage?
Only if your contract specifically authorises this in advance in writing. Deducting without prior written authority is unlawful.
How far back can I claim unpaid wages?
Up to 2 years for a series of unlawful deductions in England, Wales and Scotland. Individual deductions: 3 months less one day (6 months from October 2026).
Do I have pay rights from day one?
Yes. NMW, payslip rights, and SSP all apply from your first day. No qualifying period.
Can my employer say my salary "includes" holiday pay?
Only if you're an irregular-hours worker and the holiday element is clearly itemised on your payslip. A fixed salary that vaguely "includes" holiday is not compliant.

📜 Primary Legislation Sources

📞 Free help and support

ACAS: 0300 123 1100 — free pay rights advice

Fair Work Agency: gov.uk — report NMW, holiday pay and SSP violations

HMRC NMW complaints: 0300 123 2671

Citizens Advice: 0800 144 8848

⚠ Important disclaimer: England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland as at July 2026. General legal information only — not legal advice. Verify with ACAS, GOV.UK or Citizens Advice before acting. ukworkrights.co.uk — Not a law firm.

Further reading: our blog explains the Statutory Sick Pay changes from April 2026.

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