What to Do if Your Wages Are Late
By C.G. Handley
Few things cause more worry than payday passing with nothing in your account. Rent, bills and food do not wait, so it is natural to feel anxious. Most late payments have an ordinary explanation and are fixed quickly, but it helps to know the steps to take if yours is not.
Step 1: Check the simple explanations first
- Is your payday a weekend or bank holiday, so the money is due a day earlier or later?
- Has your employer changed payroll provider or the date in your contract?
- Did you recently change bank account or sort code?
- Has your bank simply not shown the payment yet? Some show it in the morning, others by the afternoon.
Look at your payslip too. If it has been issued, the money has normally been sent and should arrive shortly.
Step 2: Contact payroll or your manager
Ask politely and promptly. A short email is best, because it creates a record. Say when you were due to be paid, that nothing has arrived, and ask when you can expect it. Most payroll teams will confirm what happened and, if there is a genuine error, can often arrange a same-day payment.
Step 3: If it is wrong or keeps happening, put it in writing
If the money is still missing, or this has happened before, write to your employer formally. Keep it factual: the date you should have been paid, the amount you believe you are owed, and a reasonable deadline for a reply. Keep copies of payslips, your contract, and any messages. If your workplace has a grievance procedure, you can use it.
Step 4: Understand your rights
Your employer generally has to pay you the amount properly due to you, on the date agreed. Wages that are missing or short can be treated as an unlawful deduction from wages. Employment law has strict time limits, usually around three months from the date of the problem, so do not leave it too long. Before making a tribunal claim, you normally have to contact ACAS, which offers free early conciliation to try to resolve the issue.
Step 5: Get free advice
ACAS and Citizens Advice can explain your situation and next steps at no cost. If you are in a union, your representative can also help. If your employer has become insolvent, the government has a scheme that may pay some unpaid wages, and the information is on GOV.UK.
Protecting yourself while you wait
Late pay can put your own bills at risk. Contact your landlord, lender or utility provider before a payment is missed. Explain that your wages are delayed and ask for a short extension. Most would rather agree a plan than chase arrears. Check whether you can claim support, and avoid expensive short-term borrowing, which can make things worse. Free debt advice is available from StepChange, Citizens Advice and National Debt Line.
Preventing a repeat
Keep a small buffer, even one week of essentials, so that one late payment does not become a crisis. Make a note of your payroll cut-off dates, and tell your employer promptly if you change bank details. You can check your expected payday at any time on our countdown.
This article is for general information only and is not financial or legal advice. For personal guidance, speak to a qualified adviser or an organisation such as MoneyHelper, Citizens Advice or ACAS.