Five top tips for employers on paying the minimum wage
Practical tips to help employers meet their obligations on correctly paying the minimum wage.
As an employer, you are responsible for ensuring you pay the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage.
5 minimum wage payment tips for employers
The following top tips will help you to understand your main responsibilities in paying the minimum wage correctly.
1. Know who should be paid the minimum wage
Most people above compulsory school age working legally in the UK are entitled to be paid at least the minimum wage. Workers are entitled to the minimum wage whether or not they have a written employment contract. See who should be paid the minimum wage?
2. Keep up-to-date with minimum wage rates
Changes to the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates take place in April each year. It is your responsibility as an employer to ensure you are paying the correct rate. See current National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates.
3. Understand what should be included in minimum wage pay
What should be counted as minimum wage pay varies depending on several factors. For example, benefits in kind such as meals or fuel do not count towards it. See what is included in minimum wage pay?
4. Keep sufficient minimum wage records
You are legally required to keep sufficient records to show you are meeting minimum wage requirements. For many employers existing payroll and business records are appropriate. These records can be used if a dispute occurs - it is your responsibility to prove you are meeting requirements. See National Minimum Wage And National Living Wage records and reporting.
5. Be aware of what is classed as a criminal offence
Criminal offences relating to the minimum wage include refusal or wilful neglect to pay it and producing false records or information. See minimum wage enforcement and penalties.