Martin Lewis says 'check now' as thousands owed more money

NewsMartin Lewis says 'check now' as thousands owed more money'You've got a legal right to be paid more'leicestermercuryBookmarkShareCommentsNewsByKate LallySEO writer07:34, 27 MAY

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Martin Lewis has issued an alert as almost 400,000 people could be being underpaid. In a new update Mr Lewis reminded people that the minimum wage increased on April 1.

Since then, it is a legal requirement for employees to be paid £12.21 per hour if aged 21 or over, or £22,222 a year if working 35 hours a week. This drops to £10 an hour if aged 18-20,

£18,200 a year at 35 hours a week, or £7.55 an hour if on an apprenticeship or aged under 18 - equivalent to £13,741 a year.

Mr Lewis said: "By law, employers need to ensure it takes effect in your first full pay period after the change. That means most of those on the lowest level of pay should have now seen the

increase."

But, he added, the Low Pay Commission says more than 370,000 are not being paid as much as they are entitled to. He went on to explain that the most common "breach" is when workers have to

pay for their own uniform, tools or safety clothing. Mr Lewis explained that if these have to be bought, the cost shouldn't take an employee "below the equivalent minimum wage over your

pay period e.g. over a month if paid monthly."

He added that all overtime should be paid for, and that tips or overtime can't be used to "top up" minimum wage. For those working on commission, employers must top up your pay to

minimum wage if you don't earn it.

Mr Lewis also clarified that your pay can only be reduced by up to £74.62 a week if your accommodation is provided, and this includes charges such as rent, gas, furniture, electricity and

laundry. He said: "If you think you aren't (or weren't based on old rates) paid enough under these rules, you've a legal right to be paid more and to back pay.

"It can be simple to do, though isn't always, and you can usually remain anonymous when complaining". If you think this may apply to you, there is a guide to claiming back underpaid

minimum wage on the Money Saving Expert website.

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