[Scotland] Young workers urged to check payslips for underpayments

In Scotland, young workers are being urged to review their payslips to ensure they are being paid correctly, The Gazette reports.

The advice from Advice Direct Scotland (ADS) comes before National Minimum Wage increases take effect in April.

Apprentices have been particularly encouraged to be vigilant about underpayments.

According to ADS, common employer errors include failing to pay apprentices for training time, not accounting for all hours worked, neglecting to update wages after the annual increase and continuing to pay the lower rate after an apprentice’s first year is complete.

Other issues reportedly include deductions for uniforms, tools or protective equipment that reduce take-home pay below the minimum wage.

The charity has shared the reminder during National Apprenticeship Week, which runs until February 15.

From April, the National Living Wage for over-21s will rise by 4.1 per cent to £12.71 per hour.

For those aged between 18 and 20, the hourly rate will increase by 8.5 per cent to £10.85, and the apprentice rate will go up by 6 per cent to £8 per hour.

Apprentices under 19, or those aged 19 and over in the first year of their apprenticeship, are entitled to the apprentice rate.

Following the completion of their first year, apprentices aged 19 and over must be paid at least the minimum wage for their age group.

Andrew Bartlett - chief executive of Advice Direct Scotland - said, "Too many young workers don’t realise they’re being underpaid, and it’s vital to know your rights.

"Every penny counts, and young Scots should check their payslips to make sure they’re getting the right National Minimum Wage.

"This is your hard-earned money, so don’t let employers allow it to slip through the cracks."

Source: The Gazette

(Quotes via original reporting)

In Scotland, young workers are being urged to review their payslips to ensure they are being paid correctly, The Gazette reports.

The advice from Advice Direct Scotland (ADS) comes before National Minimum Wage increases take effect in April.

Apprentices have been particularly encouraged to be vigilant about underpayments.

According to ADS, common employer errors include failing to pay apprentices for training time, not accounting for all hours worked, neglecting to update wages after the annual increase and continuing to pay the lower rate after an apprentice’s first year is complete.

Other issues reportedly include deductions for uniforms, tools or protective equipment that reduce take-home pay below the minimum wage.

The charity has shared the reminder during National Apprenticeship Week, which runs until February 15.

From April, the National Living Wage for over-21s will rise by 4.1 per cent to £12.71 per hour.

For those aged between 18 and 20, the hourly rate will increase by 8.5 per cent to £10.85, and the apprentice rate will go up by 6 per cent to £8 per hour.

Apprentices under 19, or those aged 19 and over in the first year of their apprenticeship, are entitled to the apprentice rate.

Following the completion of their first year, apprentices aged 19 and over must be paid at least the minimum wage for their age group.

Andrew Bartlett - chief executive of Advice Direct Scotland - said, "Too many young workers don’t realise they’re being underpaid, and it’s vital to know your rights.

"Every penny counts, and young Scots should check their payslips to make sure they’re getting the right National Minimum Wage.

"This is your hard-earned money, so don’t let employers allow it to slip through the cracks."

Source: The Gazette

(Quotes via original reporting)