As Christmas hustle bustles into full swing, festive workers on short-term contracts are being urged to ensure they’re pocketing the correct wage. HMRC highlighted on Friday that seasonal staff, including students taking on holiday jobs, must be paid at least the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage just like any other employees.
A spokesperson for HMRC stressed: “Have you started a Christmas job? No matter how long you’ve been employed for, you are legally entitled to be paid at least the National Minimum Wage. This includes temporary seasonal staff working in shops, hotels, garden centres, Christmas markets, restaurants and warehouses.
“Always make sure that you check your pay and look out for any deductions, or unpaid working time that could take you below the minimum wage. If you think you’ve been short-changed, even if you no longer work for that employer, we’re here to help. Visit GOV.UK and search ‘check your pay’ to find all the information you need about wage rates, and how to report your employer if they’re not paying you correctly.”
The urgent call by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is to remind workers to scrutinise their hourly rate and watch for unseen deductions or unpaid tasks such as the time spent training, cleaning and the like, which can all cut into the lawful earnings.
The National Living Wage for those aged 21 and over is £11.44, while those aged 18 to 20 earn £8.60. Those under 18 and apprentices are entitled to £6.40.
If anyone suspects they are not being paid correctly, or if they know someone who may be in this situation, they can report it online. It takes about ten minutes and reports can be made even after employment has ended, according to HMRC.
For further information or to raise a concern, individuals can call the Acas Pay and Work Rights helpline on 0300 123 1100 for free, confidential advice from Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm, excluding Bank Holidays. Employers can also access support at any time to ensure they are paying their workers correctly by viewing the online employers’ guide on calculating the minimum wage and watching recorded webinars.
They can also contact Acas for advice. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is responsible for enforcing National Minimum Wage legislation, while the Department for Business and Trade is responsible for National Minimum Wage (NMW) and National Living Wage (NLW) policy.
By law, workers must be paid at least the minimum wage for their age for all of their working time. The National Minimum Wage rates from April 1, 2025 will be as follows: £12.21 for those aged 21 and over (National Living Wage), £10.00 for those aged 18 to 20, and £7.55 for those under 18 and apprentices.
