Thousands receive back pay

In a recent press release, HMRC urged underpaid workers to complain as figures show that the number of workers getting the money they're owed by employers has doubled after interventions by HMRC.

According to latest figures, in 2017-18, HMRC investigators identified £15.6 million in pay owed to more than a record 200,000 of the UK’s lowest paid workers.

HMRC launched its online complaints service in January 2017, and this has contributed to the 132% increase in the number of complaints received over the last year and the amount of money HMRC has been able to recoup for those unfairly underpaid.

The figures are published as the government launches its annual advertising campaign designed to encourage workers to act if they are not receiving the National Living Wage or the National Minimum Wage.

Industries most affected include restaurants, bars, hotels and hairdressing.

Further information:

• People not receiving at least the minimum wage can fill in an online pay and work rights complaints form.
• It is the responsibility of employers, no matter how big or small, to pay the correct wage to their staff, and failing to do so can result in fines of 200% of the arrears, public naming and, for the worst offences, criminal prosecution.

From 1 April 2018, the government’s National Living Wage rate increased by 33p to £7.83 per hour for those aged 25 and over.

The National Minimum Wage increased:

• by 33p to £7.38 per hour for those aged 21 to 24;
• by 30p to £5.90 per hour for those aged 18 to 20;
• by 15p to £4.20 per hour for those aged 16 to 17;
• by 20p to £3.70 per hour for apprentices.