Martin Lewis' MSE urges people on minimum wage to check if they are being paid correctly

People on minimum wage are being urged to check if they are getting paid correctly following wage increases in April.

Money Saving Expert (MSE), founded by Martin Lewis, has issued a stern warning to thousands of workers who may not be receiving the right pay from their employers. A recent MSE newsletter highlighted that from April 1 onwards, both the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates had seen an upturn.

This should have naturally resulted in a larger pay packet for workers within this pay period. However, the MSE team brought attention to the fact the Low Pay Commission estimates around 365,000 individuals are receiving less than what they're legally due, reports BirminghamLive.

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The consumer experts encouraged those on minimum wage to religiously check their payslips and elaborated on the "main" situations where a worker could be underpaid. Martin said: "So if you're on or just above minimum wage, I want to tool you up to detect if you may be being short-changed and, if you are, how to be paid what you're legally entitled to."

The National Living Wage is a mandatory minimum wage businesses must extend to UK employees aged 21 and above for every hour laboured. And the National Minimum Wage is the rate obligated to youngsters under the age of 21.

Uniforms, tools, and safety clothing are some of the main ways employees can be underpaid, according to the consumer champion. Speaking on his MoneySavingExpert.com website, Martin explained that if you need to purchase these items for your work, their cost should not push your earnings below the equivalent minimum wage over your pay period, whether it's monthly or weekly.

Martin stressed: "This is the most common failing." He further emphasised that all working hours, including overtime, security checks, handover meetings, opening up, and being on call, should be paid for. If these factors result in you earning less than the national minimum wage, you are entitled to claim back this money.

In addition, your wage should not be supplemented with tips or overtime; these extras have to be above the minimum wage. For commission-based workers, employers must top-up your earnings with a salary to meet the minimum wage if you don't make it from your commissions alone.

On the topic of accommodation costs provided by your employer, Martin said: "Pay can only be reduced by a maximum of £69.93 a week below minimum wage if your employer provides accommodation." These deductions may cover expenses such as rent, gas, electricity, furniture, and laundry.

Cautioning those aged over 18 and on an apprenticeship without "structured training", Martin warned that they might potentially be on the wrong pay rate. He encourages regular checks for updates, to ensure receipt of any increases due to changes in the minimum wage.

He stated: "It should have just increased, as it does every April, plus it should increase on your 18th and 21st birthdays, taking effect in your first full pay period after the change." Martin advised that if any of these points "rang true", workers should check if they are being paid enough. He emphasised that under the law, employees have a right to be paid more, including back pay, if they believe they were not paid adequately under old rates.

To claim any underpayments from your employer, you should complete an online HMRC form. The HMRC will investigate while keeping your identity anonymous and can provide up to six years of back pay. Even those working for large corporations should verify their rates. More information can be found here.