What to do if your employer does not pay your wages in the UK?

The first step is to call ACAS (0300 123 1100) or Work Rights Centre (0300 4000 100). Which one depends on your immigration status. The call is free and confidential.

Is it free to get help with unpaid wages?

Yes. ACAS, Work Rights Centre, ATLEU — all free for the worker. Legal Aid is available for people on a low income if the case goes to tribunal.

What are the time limits for claiming unpaid wages?

Employment Tribunal: 3 months from the incident. HMRC NMW (national minimum wage): 1-3 years. Modern Slavery cases: no time limit.

What is Modern Slavery?

Forced labour, document confiscation, threats, debt bondage. UK Modern Slavery Act 2015. Reporting via NRM (National Referral Mechanism) — protections apply regardless of immigration status.

What if I do not have the right to work?

Your rights against exploitation still apply. The Modern Slavery framework and NRM are designed for this. Contact ATLEU first — legal professional privilege protects you.

You worked and did not get paid.
We can help.

Q: How much can I get back if my wages were not paid?

At least £12.71 per hour (National Minimum Wage 2026 for 21+), plus holiday pay. Claims usually cover the last 2 years.

Q: Will the Home Office find out if I complain about wages?

ACAS and Work Rights Centre do not share data with the Home Office without your consent. ATLEU works under legal professional privilege.

Updated 21 May 2026 · Verified with ACAS, Work Rights Centre, ATLEU, gov.uk

Pick your status below to get specific next steps.

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I have refugee / Ukraine statusFull work rights. Call ACAS.

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I work on a visa tied to my employer (sponsor)Caution — you need visa advice. Work Rights Centre.

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I am a student in the UKDepends on hours worked. Start with Work Rights Centre.

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I am an asylum seeker with permission to workYou have an ARC card or permission letter. Work Rights Centre.

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I am an asylum seeker, worked without permissionHigh risk. Do NOT go to ACAS. Start with ATLEU.

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I have a visitor visa / tourist visaHigh risk. Modern Slavery Helpline is the first step.

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I don't know / no documentsSafe option — Work Rights Centre will sort it out.

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Not sure? Pick "I don't know" — Work Rights Centre speaks Russian and will figure out your status together with you.

Frequently asked questions

What to do if your employer does not pay your wages?

The first step is to call. For most people this is ACAS (0300 123 1100) or Work Rights Centre (0300 4000 100). It depends on your status — pick yours above. You do not need to go to your employer first, write letters or hire a lawyer — the call is free and anonymous.

How much can I get back?

It depends on your situation: at least £12.71 for each hour worked (National Minimum Wage 2026 for 21+), plus holiday pay. Claims usually cover the last 2 years. Exploitation cases can involve much larger sums.

Is this free?

Yes. ACAS, Work Rights Centre, ATLEU — all free for the worker. If the case goes to Employment Tribunal, Legal Aid is available for people on a low income. Calls are also free.

Will the Home Office find out about my call?

ACAS and Work Rights Centre do not share your data with the Home Office without your consent. ATLEU works under legal professional privilege (like a law firm). If you are worried about your status — pick your situation above for more details.

Sources: ACAS Early Conciliation · Work Rights Centre · ATLEU · NMW rates gov.uk · Modern Slavery Act 2015

You worked and did not get paid.We can help.

Frequently asked questions

You worked and did not get paid.
We can help.