Free · Anonymous · 2 minutes

Is your pay a bit… sus?

Estimate your effective hourly rate and flag possible underpayment against UK minimum wage rules. Use your payslip — or switch to hourly/salary mode if that’s easier.

Check hours/breaks

This is general information, not legal advice. For proper help, try Acas or Citizens Advice.

1

Choose how you enter pay

Payslip gross, hourly rate, or salary.

2

Add the “gotchas”

Unpaid time, costs, accommodation, etc.

3

Get a clear signal

We flag if your effective rate might be below minimum wage.

Pay checker

Best accuracy: use your latest payslip. This checker estimates your “effective hourly rate” (pay that counts ÷ hours that count) and compares it to minimum wage rates.

Private by design

Everything runs in your browser. We don’t collect or store your answers.

1
About you

Pick based on when you were paid (rates change each April).

Apprentice rules can differ in the first year. We’ll ask next.

2
Pay + hours

If you have a payslip, use it. Otherwise hourly/salary is fine for a quick estimate.

Use the gross pay line from your payslip if you can.

Include time you were required to be working (not just “clocked” time).

Examples: opening/closing, training, “clock out then finish up”.

3
Deductions & extras

If you had to pay these to do the job, they can matter for minimum wage checks.

If you’re unsure what counts, leave it blank — we’ll show a cautious estimate.

Accommodation can change minimum wage calculations via an “accommodation offset”.

✓
Your results

Complete the previous steps and click "See results" to check your pay.

Pay advice hub

Pick what matches your situation. Short, practical, and geared to the “what now?” question.

🧾 Compare like-for-like

Check one period properly

Pick a week or month and match hours + payslip.

  • Use gross pay from the payslip (payslip mode).
  • Count required time (opening/closing, training).
  • Keep dates aligned (same period for both).
⏱️ Unpaid time is common

“Clock out then finish”

If it’s required, it matters for your effective rate.

  • Write it down daily for 1–2 weeks.
  • Screenshot rotas and messages.
  • Note who said it and when.
🧠 Keep it boring

Facts beat arguments

Stay calm and stick to numbers.

  • Hours: start/finish + breaks.
  • Pay: gross + deductions list.
  • Impact: if it caused hardship/stress.
👕 Uniform & kit

Paying to do the job

Some required costs can affect minimum wage checks.

  • Keep receipts for uniform/tools.
  • Note policy (required vs optional).
  • Check payslip for “charges” or deductions.
🎓 Training

Unpaid “mandatory” training

If you had to do it, track it.

  • Hours + dates of training.
  • Messages showing it was required.
  • Any travel time they expected.
🏠 Accommodation

Employer rent / lodging

Accommodation can change the calculation.

  • Write down rent and what it includes.
  • Keep the agreement (or messages).
  • If it’s close, get advice with paperwork.
🍽️ Tips basics

Know the rules

Tips and service charges have specific rules when the employer controls them.

  • Track tips (cash + card) per shift.
  • Ask how they’re split (policy).
  • Keep statements if tips are paid via payroll.
🧾 Tronc / service charge

Where does it go?

If it’s unclear, that’s a flag. Ask in writing.

  • Ask in writing how it’s allocated.
  • Compare shifts (do amounts match?)
  • Keep screenshots of menus/signage if relevant.
🧑‍🏭 First year

Confirm your stage

Apprentice pay depends on whether you’re in year one (or under 19).

  • Keep the agreement (start date matters).
  • Track off-site training time too.
  • Check payslip wording (apprentice/trainee).
📅 After year one

If you’re 19+

You may be entitled to your age rate after completing year one.

  • Note completion date.
  • Collect payslips before/after.
  • Get advice if employer refuses.
🧾 Ask for clarity

Keep it calm

  • “Please confirm my rate and why.”
  • “Which rule are you applying?”
  • Keep replies (screenshots/email).
🧾 Build a clean pack

Evidence that’s easy to read

  • Payslips for the same dates as hours.
  • Hours record (start/finish, unpaid time).
  • Receipts (uniform/kit) if relevant.
🗣️ Get advice first

Before you confront anyone

  • If you fear backlash, speak to an adviser first.
  • Keep it factual (avoid accusations early).
  • Use “Copy summary” from the results.
🧭 Pick your route

Where to go

  • Minimum wage: Acas / Citizens Advice.
  • Payroll errors: start with payroll in writing.
  • Retaliation threats: get advice ASAP.

Where to get real help

Free, confidential advice for UK workers

Acas

Free advice on pay issues and work problems. A good first stop if you’re not sure what to do.

Helpline: 0300 123 1100

Minimum wage advice →

Citizens Advice

Independent charity offering help with pay, work and money problems.

Pay advice →

Pay FAQ

Common questions people ask when their pay doesn’t add up.

What pay figure should I use?
Use your gross pay (before tax) for the period you’re checking. Best source is your payslip.
Can unpaid time make my hourly rate drop below minimum wage?
Yes. If you’re effectively working extra time (opening/closing, training, “finish up after clocking out”), your pay spread across those hours can fall below the legal minimum.
How do apprentices’ minimum wage rules work?
Apprentices in their first year (or under 19) are entitled to at least the apprentice rate. If you’re 19+ and have completed your first year, you’re usually entitled to the higher rate for your age band.
What is the accommodation offset?
If your employer provides accommodation, it can affect minimum wage calculations. There’s a set “offset” amount. This checker estimates it, but accommodation cases can be complex — get advice if it’s close.
Does this checker store my answers?
No. Everything runs in your browser — we don’t collect or store your answers.