Minimum Wage Underpayment Calculator UK 2026/27
Check if you're being paid below the National Living Wage or National Minimum Wage. Calculate how much you may be owed in back pay.
Hours you work but aren't paid for
Deductions that reduce effective pay
How long has this been happening?
Your Hourly Rate
£11.25
Minimum Rate
£12.21
Shortfall Per Hour
£0.96
Weekly Underpayment
£38.40
Total Owed (12 weeks)
£460.80
1. Gather evidence: Keep payslips, rotas, and record actual hours worked
2. Raise it informally first - it may be a genuine error
3. If unresolved, report to HMRC: 0300 123 1100 or online
4. Consider ACAS early conciliation for tribunal claims
5. You're protected from dismissal for raising wage concerns
Calculation Methodology
This calculator compares your effective hourly rate (gross pay minus deductions, divided by total hours including unpaid work) against the 2026/27 minimum wage rates. NLW for 21+ is £12.21/hour.
Official Sources
Important: Results are estimates based on standard HMRC rules. Your actual tax may differ based on your specific tax code, benefits, or HMRC adjustments. Always verify with your employer or a qualified accountant.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the National Living Wage for 2026/27?
The National Living Wage (NLW) for workers aged 21 and over is £12.21 per hour from April 2026. Workers aged 18-20 get £10.00/hour, under 18s get £7.55/hour, and apprentices get £6.40/hour.
What counts as wage theft or underpayment?
Wage theft includes: paying below minimum wage, not paying for all hours worked (including training, travel time, overtime), making unlawful deductions from wages, not paying holiday pay, keeping tips that belong to workers, and unpaid trial shifts.
Can my employer deduct money from my wages?
Employers can only make deductions if required by law (tax, NI), authorised in your contract, or you've agreed in writing. Deductions for uniform, training, or till shortages that take you below minimum wage are illegal. Cash shortages can only be deducted if in your contract.
How far back can I claim underpaid wages?
You can claim back wages for up to 6 years in the civil courts. HMRC can investigate and recover back pay for the same period. Employment tribunal claims must usually be made within 3 months of the underpayment, but can cover up to 2 years of arrears.
What should I do if I'm being underpaid?
First, gather evidence (payslips, rotas, time records). Raise it with your employer - it may be an error. If unresolved, contact ACAS for advice, report to HMRC online or call 0300 123 1100, or consider an employment tribunal claim. You're protected from dismissal for raising minimum wage concerns.