Describe your pay situation and get instant plain English guidance on minimum wage rights — underpayment, unlawful deductions, tips and more. Checked against official sources.
↓ Try the Checker NowThe National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over is £12.71 per hour from April 2026. Workers aged 18–20 receive £10.85 per hour. The rate for 16–17 year olds and apprentices is £8.00.
Employers who underpay face fines of up to 200% of the arrears and public naming. Workers can report underpayment to HMRC on 0300 123 1100 — there is no qualifying period for NMW claims.
Key areas covered: National Living Wage, National Minimum Wage, current rates, underpayment, HMRC enforcement, apprentice rate. Checked against official sources.
Your headline hourly rate might look correct, but deductions for uniform, equipment, or unpaid mandatory training can effectively reduce your real pay below the legal minimum once properly calculated — it's worth checking your actual take-home pay against hours worked, not just the stated rate on your contract.
Reporting underpayment to HMRC triggers an investigation that can examine an employer's pay practices for all staff, not just you, and can result in penalties of up to 200% of the underpayment — a genuinely powerful route that works alongside, not instead of, pursuing your own individual claim.
This checker gives you a plain English read on your specific situation, answered only from its own guide for your part of the UK, checked against official sources. No login needed, and your answer is generated instantly based on what you tell us.
Our guidance covers many common situations, but complex or high-stakes cases need professional advice. For employment issues, contact ACAS in England, Wales and Scotland (0300 123 1100) or the Labour Relations Agency in Northern Ireland (03300 555 300). For free general advice, contact Citizens Advice (England 0800 144 8848, Wales 0800 702 2020), Citizens Advice Scotland (0800 028 1456) or Advice NI (0800 915 4604). For urgent housing problems in England, Shelter can help on 0808 800 4444.
Further reading: our blog explains how to spot underpayment on your payslip.
Further reading: our blog explains why a part-time minimum wage job can now mean paying income tax.
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Free · Guidance only, not legal advice
What is the National Living Wage in 2025?
The National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over is £12.71 per hour from 1 April 2026. For 18 to 20 year olds it is £10.85 per hour, for 16 to 17 year olds it is £8.00 per hour, and the apprentice rate is £8.00 per hour.
Can my employer make deductions that take my pay below minimum wage?
No. Deductions such as uniform costs, tool hire or till shortages cannot take your pay below the National Minimum Wage. These deductions are unlawful if they result in pay falling below the minimum rate.
How do I report minimum wage underpayment?
You can report underpayment to HMRC using the Pay and Work Rights helpline on 0300 123 1100. HMRC can investigate and force your employer to repay arrears.
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The checker answers only from the guide for the nation you choose, plus what you tell it. If your question is not covered there, it says so instead of guessing. Each guide was checked against primary sources on 24 September 2026.
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Directed and published by Matt Thompson, founder of UK Work Rights. Guidance checked against GOV.UK, ACAS and legislation.gov.uk. This is general rights guidance, not legal advice.
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