I didn’t even realize I got paid more than usual. I assumed it might’ve been a bonus, so I didn’t question it.
Next paycheck, though, I got way less, and it caused me a lot of financial problems.
Thing is, my employer didn’t give me any notice about the mistake or that they’d be taking the money back from my next pay.
So, what’s the deal legally here?
I’d definitely speak up if this happened again.
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The legal side is better suited for a different forum focused on legal advice.
From a money perspective, checking your payslips is essential. It also sounds like you don’t have a savings cushion, which could help avoid issues like this in the future.
@Lux
And just to clarify, I know it’s rough this happened to you. Your employer should’ve informed you first.
@Lux
> checking your payslips is essential
I’m honestly surprised at how few people check them! I caught a mistake with my pension that would’ve cost me £400 if I hadn’t checked mine last year.
I’m honestly surprised at how few people check them! I caught a mistake with my pension that would’ve cost me £400 if I hadn’t checked mine last year.
Sometimes, just checking the bank balance is enough.
Last month, my wife got paid twice by mistake. We let her job know and paid it back right away. Spotting these things isn’t hard with mobile banking.
OP noticed the extra cash but didn’t question it. Lesson learned, I guess.
I’m honestly surprised at how few people check them! I caught a mistake with my pension that would’ve cost me £400 if I hadn’t checked mine last year.
I used to work temp jobs, and I’d double-check my hours against my payslip. I was the only one doing this, even though the agency often messed up people’s pay.
@Lux
Legally, it might be allowed based on your contract, as long as it doesn’t bring your pay below minimum wage for that period.
@Lux
Yep, it’s rough and you should talk to a legal advisor, but it’s a good reminder to have a little savings cushion if you can.
Cort said:
@Lux
Yep, it’s rough and you should talk to a legal advisor, but it’s a good reminder to have a little savings cushion if you can.
It might be worth checking with HR or payroll before going the legal route.
Edit: Looks like OP already contacted their employer.
@Lux
Honestly, payslips are so confusing now. I used to understand them perfectly, but my current job’s payslips have weird codes and acronyms. Sometimes, I don’t even know what I’m being paid for.
Brook said:
@Lux
Honestly, payslips are so confusing now. I used to understand them perfectly, but my current job’s payslips have weird codes and acronyms. Sometimes, I don’t even know what I’m being paid for.
I totally get it. My tax code changes all the time for no reason.
@Lux
Thanks, everyone.
I work in payroll—it’s not great they didn’t give you a heads up, but they’re allowed to take back the money. I’ve dealt with complaints about this before.
Kit said:
I work in payroll—it’s not great they didn’t give you a heads up, but they’re allowed to take back the money. I’ve dealt with complaints about this before.
Alright, thanks for the info.
If you took the money and spent it, you have to deal with the fallout. Let’s be real.
“I didn’t notice I was overpaid” doesn’t quite match “I assumed it was a bonus.”
“I assumed it was a bonus”… Companies don’t just give random bonuses without telling you.
It’s fine to notice a mistake and not say anything, but you can’t be surprised if they try to correct it.
Cade said:
“I assumed it was a bonus”… Companies don’t just give random bonuses without telling you.
It’s fine to notice a mistake and not say anything, but you can’t be surprised if they try to correct it.
Honestly, I’m still new to understanding payslips, but I’ve learned more now. It just felt off that they took it all back at once without even telling me about the mistake.
@Arie
“They took it back in one go?”
Did you spend the extra all at once without checking?
Murphy said:
@Arie
“They took it back in one go?”
Did you spend the extra all at once without checking?
Yes, I did.
Just wanted to get some thoughts on the fact that they didn’t mention the error or anything.