29 Dec 2025
HMRC has urged seasonal workers to check their pay to ensure they're not out of pocket.
Workers should check their pay to make sure they receive at least the National Minimum Wage (NMW) or National Living Wage (NLW), HMRC said. It also stressed that temporary workers are legally entitled to the same minimum pay rates as other workers.
HMRC said that unpaid working time, cleaning or completing mandatory training outside of working hours could lead to employees being underpaid.
Additionally, HMRC stated that employers deducting money for things like uniforms or equipment and therefore taking a worker's pay below the minimum wage is unacceptable and should be reported.
Wage arrears of £5.8 million were identified in 2024/25. HMRC issued around 750 penalties totalling £4.2 million to employers who did not comply with minimum wage requirements.
Kevin Hubbard, Director of Individuals and Small Business Compliance at HMRC, said: 'We want to make sure that workers are paid correctly this Christmas. 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 short changed, even if you no longer work for the employer, we are here to help.'