How to Report Minimum Wage Underpayment

If you believe your employer is paying below the National Minimum Wage, you can report this to the Fair Work Agency confidentially. Here's exactly what to do.

Step 1 — Check you're being underpaid

First confirm your rate is below the legal minimum for your age band.

21+ (NLW)£12.71/hr

18–20£10.85/hr

Under 18£8.00/hr

Apprentice (yr 1 or under 19)£8.00/hr

→ Use our Arrears Calculator to work out what you're owed

Step 2 — Gather evidence

Before reporting, collect as much of the following as possible:

Your payslips (or screenshots if digital)
Your employment contract or written statement of terms
Records of hours worked (rota, timesheets, clocking records)
Bank statements showing payments received
Any written communications about pay from your employer

Step 3 — Report to the Fair Work Agency

The Fair Work Agency (FWA) took over NMW enforcement from HMRC in 2026. You can report anonymously — the FWA will not reveal your identity to your employer.

Onlinegov.uk/minimum-wage-underentitled

Phone0300 123 1100

HoursMon–Fri, 8am–6pm

Anonymous?Yes — your employer will not be told who reported them

Step 4 — What happens after you report

FWA investigationUsually within a few weeks

Employer penaltyUp to 200% of arrears owed

Back pay requiredFull arrears must be paid to worker

Public namingRepeat offenders named by government

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Alternative: Employment Tribunal claim

You can also bring a claim directly at an Employment Tribunal within 3 months of the last underpayment. This is separate from reporting to the Fair Work Agency and you can do both. ACAS early conciliation is required first — contact ACAS at acas.org.uk or 0300 123 1100 before filing a tribunal claim.

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Get free advice from ACAS first

Before reporting or taking legal action, you can get free, impartial advice from ACAS (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service). They can advise on your rights and help resolve disputes without going to tribunal. Visit acas.org.uk or call 0300 123 1100.

Common Questions

Will my employer know I reported them?

No. The Fair Work Agency reporting process is confidential. Your employer will be told there has been a complaint but will not be told who made it. You can report anonymously without giving your name.

Can my employer sack me for reporting?

It is illegal for an employer to dismiss or penalise you for asserting your right to minimum wage or for reporting a violation. This is considered automatic unfair dismissal and you can bring a claim at an Employment Tribunal regardless of how long you've worked there.

How far back can I claim?

The Fair Work Agency can recover up to 6 years of underpayment. Employment Tribunal claims must be made within 3 months of the last underpayment (or the most recent in a series). The historical rate for each period applies — not today's rate.

What if I'm paid cash in hand?

Minimum wage applies regardless of how you are paid — cash in hand, bank transfer, cheque or any other method. If you receive cash in hand below minimum wage, you can still report to the Fair Work Agency. Try to keep records of what you were paid and when.