HMRC warns thousands are missing out on pay rise and says 'it's the law'

Thousands could be missing out on a pay rise - with workers urged to check wages now to see if you’re missing out. The government is encouraging employees to check they're being paid correctly after the minimum wage was hiked earlier this year.

A statement on the HMRC Checkyourpay website reads: "Your employer should pay you the correct hourly rate for your age. It's the law." If you're unsure about your own wage, there's a simple government tool available at www.checkyourpay.campaign.gov.uk.

Using the tool, you can use online to check if you're earning what you're entitled to. Sarah Coles, head of personal finance at Hargreaves Lansdown, said: "The minimum wage and national living wage have made a major difference to the incomes of those on lower wages.

READ MORE UK braced for first 'official' heatwave of year with temperatures in 'high 20s'

"However, not all employers are following the rules and keeping up with rises. At the start of this month, the national living wage jumped almost 10% and expanded to include workers as young as 21, so it's worth using the tool to check you're being paid fairly.

"If you're not being paid enough, you can have an informal conversation with your employer to ask for a pay rise. You can take a printout of the calculator to prove what you should be paid. If you don't have any luck, you can call the Acas helpline on 0300 123 1100.

"They'll check what you're entitled to, and run through your options with you." The National Living Wage is paid to workers 21 and over and exactly what you'll get depends on how old you are. The rates that came into force on April 1, 2024 are: those aged 21 and over - now at £11.44, for 18 to 20-year-olds - at £8.60, 16 to 17-year-olds - at £6.40 and the apprentice wage - at £6.40.