In 2024 to 2025 HMRC identified wage arrears of £5.8 million due to 25,200 underpaid UK workers and issued around 750 penalties totalling £4.2 million to non-compliant employers.
Temporary seasonal staff are legally entitled to receive at least the same minimum pay rates as other workers.
The National Minimum Wage hourly rates are currently:
- £12.21 - Age 21 and over (National Living Wage)
- £10.00 - Age 18 to 20
- £7.55 - Age under 18
- £7.55 - Apprentice (aged under 19 / aged 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship)
Information and support are available for employers to ensure they are paying their workers correctly:
- view the online employers’ guide on calculating the minimum wage
- watch HMRCs recorded videos and webinars
- view the advice for employers section on the GOV.UK Check Your Pay website.
You should also encourage your employees to check their check their pay: Working over Christmas? ‘Check Your Pay’ - GOV.UK.