How to chase unpaid wages

1. Get your record together

List every unpaid shift: date, place, start, finish, break, rate and the amount you expect. Your own record made at the time is strong evidence.

2. Raise it in writing

Email your manager or payroll with that list and ask when it will be paid. Most missing pay is fixed at this stage. Keep copies of everything.

3. If it isn't fixed

• Raise a formal grievance with your employer
• Call Acas for free advice on 0300 123 1100
• Report minimum wage underpayment to HMRC, which can make your employer pay the arrears
• For an employment tribunal claim for unlawful deductions, you must contact Acas for early conciliation first. Strict time limits apply, usually 3 months less a day from the last deduction

Agency or umbrella workers

If you work through an agency, the agency (or the umbrella company paying you) is usually responsible for your pay. Raise it with them first.

What to write

Keep it short and specific. For example: "My payslip for 1 to 28 October doesn't include my shifts on 9 October (7pm to 7am, 11 paid hours) and 23 October (7am to 7pm, 11 paid hours) at £13.50 an hour, which is £297 in total. Please confirm when this will be paid." Attach your record, keep a copy and note the date you sent it.

Minimum wage arrears

If you've been paid below the minimum wage, the employer has to pay the arrears at today's rate, not the rate that applied at the time, if today's rate is higher. HMRC can also fine employers and publicly name them.

Other routes

• If you were never paid at all, you can make a claim in the county court (or the sheriff court in Scotland) for unpaid wages, which has a longer time limit.
• If your employer has gone bust, you can claim some unpaid wages, holiday and notice pay from the government's Redundancy Payments Service.
• A union can represent you and often has legal support available.

Keep your own record

Paste the rota message you were sent and Shiftaan fills in the shift for you. Give it a go.

Common questions