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GuideReport NMW Underpayment — Anonymous reporting to the Fair Work Agency
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.
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.
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 HMRC 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
No. HMRC's 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.
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.
HMRC 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.
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 HMRC. Try to keep records of what you were paid and when.