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Check you're paying at least the minimum wage, including the hidden traps

You pay above the rate, you think. But unpaid trial shifts, uniform deductions, time spent opening up or travelling between jobs can pull pay below it. Check it properly with GOV.UK's calculator.

Updated 17 Oct 2026

The problem

Underpaying minimum wage often happens by accident, and the penalties and public naming are serious. Rates change every April.

The outcome

You pay above the rate, you think. But unpaid trial shifts, uniform deductions, time spent opening up or travelling between jobs can pull pay below it. Check it properly with GOV.UK's calculator.

The prompt · ChatGPT

Help me check I'm paying at least the minimum wage.

Staff: [for each: age or apprentice, hourly pay or salary, hours]
Unpaid time: [e.g. opening up, cashing up, training, travel between jobs]

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A short example

You pay above the rate, you think. But unpaid trial shifts, uniform deductions, time spent opening up or travelling between jobs can pull pay below it. Check it properly with GOV.UK's calculator.

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