I am over 25 and entitled to the National Living Wage, but I suspect I am being underpaid. How can I find out if I’m being paid the right amount, and claim what I am owed from my employer?

If you think you’ve been underpaid, you should act quickly, as it’s harder to get your money back more than three months after the problem has arisen. Check your payslip to see if there’s been a mistake. You will be able to see the number of hours you’ve worked, the rate you’ve been paid at and if there have been any deductions. Ask your employer to explain anything you don’t understand on your payslip and tell them why you think you have been underpaid. If there has been a genuine mistake, ask your employer to pay you straight away as you shouldn’t have to wait until the next payday.

If your employer refuses to pay back your wages you can formally raise a grievance, either by writing a letter to your employer or following your company’s grievance procedure. Explain that you haven’t been paid enough and you want them to pay the difference. If this still doesn’t work, you can take your employer to a tribunal. Contact the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas), who will see if your employer will agree to a conciliation process, rather than go to court. Otherwise you can take your employer to a tribunal, but think carefully before starting a tribunal claim as it can be expensive and stressful. If you need any advice or guidance through this process, contact your nearest Citizens Advice.

For the most up-to-date advice, please visit www.citizensadvice.org.uk, pop into your local office or call Adviceline on 03444 111 444.

Tavistock Citizens Advice (Kingdon House)

Mon, Weds, Fri 10:00am – 3:00pm  www.ruraldevoncab.org.uk