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<\/p>\nLiving on minimum wage is difficult enough during the cost of living crisis.<\/p>\n
And to make matters worse, consumer expert Martin Lewis revealed that a significant number of Brits aren\u2019t being paid enough. He cited annual figures from the Low Pay commission from 2022, which showed more than 333,000 people on minimum wage are being underpaid.<\/p>\n
This could mean they are missing out on hundreds \u2013 but thankfully, there are checks you can do to prevent this from happening. Here\u2019s everything you need to know.<\/p>\n
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On the Money Saving Expert website, Martin explained that the UK minimum wage rates differ by age. As of April 1, 2023, it\u2019s been the law to pay apprentices and under-18s at least \u00a35.28 an hour.<\/p>\n
This rises to \u00a37.49 an hour for 18-21 year olds, \u00a310.18 an hour for the 21-22 category and \u00a310.42 an hour for over 23s. And they apply even if you\u2019re not receiving an hourly wage.<\/p>\n
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After forking out for these items, you should not be below minimum wage.<\/p>\n
Take note of any overtime you work \u2013 including security checks, handover meetings, opening up and being on call \u2013 as you\u2019re owed more pay if these take you below minimum wage.<\/p>\n
These are additional to minimum wage payments and should not be considered as \u201ctop ups\u201d.<\/p>\n
Employers are required to top up salaries if commissions don\u2019t amount to minimum wage.<\/p>\n
Pay can be reduced if your employer provides accommodation or utilities like rent, gas and electricity. But you should note this can only drop down by a maximum of \u00a363.70 a week.<\/p>\n
If your apprenticeship isn\u2019t giving you anything back \u2013 like structured training on the job \u2013 you could be getting underpaid.<\/p>\n
Double check your employer is paying you the rate it increased to on April 1, 2023. And it\u2019s worth seeing if it went up if you turned 18, 21 and 23 too.<\/p>\n
For more information about minimum pay, visit the gov.uk website.<\/p>\n