What should you be paid?
As long as you’re not self-employed, you must be paid at least the national minimum/living wage (NLW) for the hours that you work.
The exact rate you’re entitled to depends on your age and whether you are undertaking an apprenticeship. The rates are reviewed annually and from April 2025 are:
|
21and over (NLW) |
£12.21 |
|
18 to 20 |
£10.00 |
|
Under 18 |
£7.55 |
|
Apprentices |
£7.55* |
*(n.b. there are circumstances where you may be entitled to more than this)
It’s your employer’s responsibility to keep records proving that they are paying the minimum wage.
What can you do if you think you’re being paid less than the minimum wage?
You should first raise the issue with your employer. If that doesn’t result in the matter being sorted you can make a formal complaint to HM Revenue and Customs. You may also have claims for an unlawful deduction of wages and/or a breach of contract.
How Which? can help
If you’ve got a question about your pay, we can explain your rights and what you can do if you think your employer is in breach of the law. We’ll:
- listen to what’s happened
- help you understand your rights
- discuss your options and the time limits for bringing any claims
Please note: forthcoming changes in the law (as a result of the Employment Rights Act 2025) may affect the content of this page:
No earlier than October 2026:
The time limit to bring most claims in the employment tribunal will increase from three to six months. The requirement to go through ACAS early conciliation before issuing most claims is not affected by these changes. Please note, the time limit to pursue a breach of contract claim in the employment tribunal will remain at three months.
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- Unlimited access to legal experts
- Confidential advice you can trust
- Advice on the issues that matter - consumer rights, travel, motoring, housing and wills and more
- Cover for your whole household
- Regular legal news and guidance straight to your inbox
Read our common questions
Brendan Donohue
Brendan joined Which? in 2018 and is a member of the Employment Lawyers Association.
Duncan Snook
Duncan joined Which? as an employment law specialist in May 2018. He has over 10 years of experience as an employment solicitor in private practice.
