Money-saving guru Martin Lewis has sounded the alarm for UK employees, urging them to check if they're owed hundreds of pounds in unclaimed wages. The financial expert revealed that millions could be missing out on money rightfully theirs due to payroll errors, tax overpayments, or unclaimed benefits.
Are You Owed Money?
Lewis highlighted several common scenarios where workers might be due a refund:
- Overpaid tax through your PAYE code
- Unclaimed expenses for work-related costs
- Missing holiday pay or overtime payments
- Underpaid wages due to incorrect minimum wage calculations
How to Check for Unclaimed Wages
The consumer champion advised workers to take these simple steps:
- Review your payslips for the past six years
- Check your P60 and P45 documents for discrepancies
- Use HMRC's online tax checker tool
- Contact your employer's HR department with any queries
Time Is Running Out
Lewis warned that there are strict time limits for claiming back unpaid wages - typically six years in England and Wales, and five years in Scotland. He urged workers not to delay checking their records, as thousands of pounds could be at stake for some individuals.
The financial expert also reminded viewers that HMRC sometimes sends out P800 tax calculation forms when they've identified an overpayment, but these can easily be missed or mistaken for junk mail.
With the cost of living crisis continuing to squeeze household budgets, this unexpected windfall could provide vital relief for many families across the UK.
