How to Deal with Inaccurate Salary

As an employee, you rightly expect your salary to be accurate and paid on time. However, payroll errors can and do occur—and they can be highly frustrating. According to the Global Payroll Association, one in four UK PAYE employees has received an incorrect salary payment. Alarmingly, nearly half of those affected reported that the issue occurred more than once.

If you discover a discrepancy on your payslip or believe you have received an incorrect salary, it's essential to act promptly and follow the appropriate steps to resolve the issue.

If you believe you have received an inaccurate salary payment, the first step is to take a look at your contract. If you don’t have a contract, speak to your manager or HR department and request a copy. Ensure you understand your salary and any details regarding overtime/bonuses. It may be that you are expecting overtime when your contract stipulates that you are only paid for your contracted hours, and any additional hours are at your own discretion.

If you've reviewed your employment contract and still have concerns about your salary, the next step is to examine your payslip carefully and document any discrepancies. It's important to gather clear evidence to support your query. For example, if the issue relates to your hours worked, record the exact number of hours you completed each day.

When you discover an inaccurate salary, bring the issue and your evidence—such as your contract, payslip, and any calculations—to your manager. Your manager may handle the situation or direct you to the HR or payroll department if necessary. If the issue is not resolved after discussing it with your manager or HR, further escalation may be needed.

If your HR department does not resolve the issue after you provide clear evidence, the next step is to raise a formal grievance within your organisation. For instance, if you worked additional hours under an agreement for double pay but only received your standard rate and the matter remains unresolved, a formal grievance may be necessary. At this stage, if you are a trade union member, you should consider seeking their assistance.

 

Should you require further assistance or wish to discuss your HR concerns in detail, we offer a personalised service to suit your needs.