Seasonal workers are being urged to check that they are not being underpaid this Christmas. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has warned that temporary seasonal staff, people on short-term contracts, and students often find themselves short-changed when working over the holiday season, despite being entitled to the same minimum pay rates as other workers. Last year, HMRC found that 25,200 employees were missing £5.8million in unpaid wages.

Kevin Hubbard, director of individuals and small business compliance at HMRC, said: “People should check their hourly rate and look out for any deductions or unpaid working time, which could take them below the minimum wage. Always make sure that you check your pay. If you think you have been shortchanged, even if you no longer work for the employer, we are here to help.”

HMRC is asking seasonal workers to check their hourly wage, which is included in all payslips, to ensure it falls within the National Minimum Wage requirements.

The hourly rates for the National Minimum Wage are:

• £12.21 – Age 21 and over (National Living Wage)
• £10.00 – Age 18 to 20
• £7.55 – Age under 18
• £7.55 – Apprentice.

HMRC is warning employees to make sure they are being paid for starting early or staying late to open and close bars, as well as for completing mandatory training outside of working hours, and covering extra shifts.

They also said it was “unacceptable” and illegal for employers to deduct employees’ pay if it reduced their wages to below the National Minimum Wage. 

Anyone who thinks that they are not being paid what they are entitled to can lodge a complaint using HMRC’s online form. The conciliation service Acas recommends that employees first raise a formal grievance, after which they can report their employer to HMRC or make a claim to an employment tribunal.

Last year, HMRC issued 750 penalties to employers who underpaid their workers, worth £4.2 million.

Seasonal workers often find temporary second jobs at hotels, Christmas markets, bars, restaurants, garden centres, warehouses and in retail over the festive period. They are legally entitled to receive at least the National Minimum Wage.