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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.
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.
The prompt · Claude
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]
The full prompt is free – sign up in 10 seconds
Get the full prompt freeAlready have an account? Log in
No password needed. We email you a sign-in link.
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.
You describe each role's pay, hours and any deductions.
The assistant asks about unpaid time, uniforms, accommodation and trial shifts.
You get the traps that might apply, a check you can do with GOV.UK's employer calculator, and a fix list.
What happens
Use Claude to 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.
Tools
Paste the prompt, fill the blanks, copy the draft.
- Claude — required. Drafts from the text you paste. Nothing is sent.