Martin Lewis issues wage check warning after 370,000 Brits were underpaid last year
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Martin Lewis has urged UK workers to inspect their payslips, following news of widespread underpayments. Recently-released figured from the Low Pay Commission revealed 370,000 Brits on minimum wage were paid less than they should’ve been in 2024 — and if you’re earning on or around £11.44 an hour, you might be among them.
![[A employment payslip with cash money.]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-1475039301.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
In the latest edition of the Money Saving Expert newsletter, Martin highlighted that changes to the minimum wage set for April this year mean ‘it’s even more important all those on lower incomes don’t just assume their employers are following the rules.’.
The personal finance guru noted a government list of 524 businesses who failed to pay the minimum wage featured major brands like Easyjet, Greggs, Moss Bros and Estée Lauder, adding: ‘Even big names get it wrong.’. Essentially, whoever your employer, it’s worth a check to ensure you’re getting what you’re owed. And MSE’s handy guide makes it simple.
The National Living Wage is the name given to the minimum wage guaranteed to workers aged 21 and over, which currently sits at £11.44 an hour. The National Minimum Wage applies from school leaving age, with a rate of £6.40 an hour for apprentices (in their first year) and under-18s, or £8.60 for those aged 18 to 20.
As of April 2025 however, these amounts will be going up. National Living Wage will rise to £12.21 an hour, while the rate for 18 to 20-year-olds goes up to £10.00 and for under-18s and apprentices it’ll be £7.55. Remember, this is different to the real living wage – the amount required to get by – calculated by the Living Wage Foundation.
