Stay Compliant This Festive Season: Understanding Working Time and the National Minimum Wage

As we approach the end-of-year rush, many employers rely on their teams to put in longer hours — extra shifts, extended evenings, or last-minute cover to keep up with demand. With so much happening, it’s easy to overlook the details that ensure staff are paid correctly for every minute they work.

To support employers and advisers during this busy period, HMRC’s National Minimum Wage (NMW) team is hosting a live online session designed to clarify what counts as working time and how to avoid unintentional underpayments.

What the webinar will cover

During this session, HMRC will guide you through:

• Which activities are classed as working time under NMW regulations

• Frequent problem areas — including prep time, travel between sites, and training that often goes unpaid

• Best practices for keeping accurate records of working time

• What steps to take if you identify a shortfall in pay

An HMRC panel will also be available to answer questions in real time.

Why this matters — especially in December

NMW underpayments often happen by accident. They usually stem from misunderstandings around what counts as working time or from process gaps during hectic periods. But even honest mistakes can lead to back payments, penalties, and additional scrutiny.

Attending this session can help your business:

• Reduce the risk of non-compliance

• Ensure your employees are paid correctly for all hours worked

• Strengthen your payroll processes during the busiest season

How to register

HMRC is offering two opportunities to join the webinar:

• Wednesday, 3 December 2025

• Thursday, 4 December 2025

👉 You can register directly through the HMRC portal.

Make sure festive overtime doesn’t turn into a compliance issue

Secure your place now and ensure your business is prepared — with clear, accurate working time records and fully compliant NMW payments throughout the holiday season.