National Minimum Wage support for Yorkshire & Humberside businesses
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is contacting Yorkshire &Humberside businesses to help them get their workers’ wages right and ensure they are paying at least the National Minimum Wage (NMW) and National Living Wage (NLW), as appropriate. This is part of HMRC’s regular outreach activity across the UK.
The letters include a checklist to help employers identify common minimum wage risks, details of how to review wage payments, and how to correct any mistakes. By law, workers must be paid at least the minimum wage for their age for all their time spent working, and HMRC can support businesses to do this.
Some employers will also be offered a free support call with one of HMRC’s NMW experts to talk about any minimum wage concerns they have, and to ask questions.
HMRC encourages businesses that receive a support call invite letter to take up the offer. HMRC can help identify any mistakes and, if needed, support employers to put things right. HMRC will not charge penalties for wage underpayments if corrected as a result of the support call.
Employers who do not receive the offer of a support call will receive a second letter asking them to tell HMRC if they have identified any errors as part of their review. We strongly encourage employers to contact us if this is the case as this shows their commitment to compliance to help ensure workers are being paid correctly.
HMRC does not request any personal information in the letters or emails. Before sharing personal or financial details, you should search ‘HMRC tax scams’ on GOV.UK to access a checklist to help you decide if any contact is a scam.
You can find more information about the NMW and common causes of underpayments by searching ‘NMW employer checklist’ and ‘check your pay’ on GOV.UK.
Other sources of help from HMRC include pre-recorded webinars on: ‘how to avoid common mistakes’, ‘record keeping’ and ‘what to expect from an HMRC check’.
The current National Minimum Wage rates are:
- £12.71 – Age 21 and over (National Living Wage)
- £10.85 – Age 18 to 20
- £8.00 – Age under 18
- £8.00 – Apprentice
Those age 19 or over who have completed the first year of their apprenticeship are entitled to the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage rate for their age.
For an employer’s guide to paying NMW, go to GOV.UK and search ‘calculating minimum wage’. If you would prefer to speak to someone, for general advice on NMW, you can call the ACAS helpline on 0300 123 1100. To note that from April 2027, HMRC’s National Minimum Wage team is due to transfer to the newly established Fair Work Agency (FWA). The FWA is a key part of the government’s Make Work Pay plan which aims to tackle low pay, poor working conditions and poor job security.
Until April 2027, HMRC will continue to be responsible for all NMW enforcement and compliance work, operating under contract to the FWA. During this transition period, you should continue to engage with NMW in the same way that you do now.
Workplace Wellbeing & Suicide Prevention: Resources
Mental health can affect anyone, and the workplace can play an important part in making sure people have the right support when they need it. For employers, knowing how to approach sensitive conversations or where to turn for help can sometimes be difficult.
Opportunities to work with the Growth Hub
Invitation to Quote Opportunities We are currently seeking providers to deliver business support programmes on behalf of the York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub, with a number of Invitation to
Yorkshire manufacturer pioneers AI adoption as first in North Yorkshire to secure Made Smarter grant funding
Tadweld, a North-Yorkshire based steelwork manufacturer Tadcaster-based engineering and has become the first in its region to commence an artificial intelligence project through Made Smarter Yorkshire & Humber’s Intensive Technical Support programme.
York Business Festival
York St John University is proud to announce a packed programme for York Business Festival this October. Taking place across two days, attendees gain direct access to the expertise of academics and researchers from York Business School and the wider University as well as a host of invited speakers and facilitators.
Brew York invests in a more sustainable future
When rising CO2 prices began putting pressure on Brew York, the team started looking for a more sustainable way to operate and reduce their reliance on external CO2 supplies. With support from City of York Council and the Growth Hub, Brew York secured grant funding towards new nitrogen generation technology, through the Business Sustainability Programme.
Apprenticeship funding scheme opens new opportunities for employers in York and North Yorkshire
Employers across York and North Yorkshire are invited to take advantage of a new Apprenticeship Levy Transfer Scheme launched by the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, creating new opportunities to invest in skills and support long-term business growth.
Innovation Supper: Meet the Dragons
Emerging entrepreneurs from across York and North Yorkshire will be pitching their business ideas to an engaged audience of like-minded business professionals at next month’s Innovation Supper. A panel of experienced business professionals are set to provide a wealth of business knowledge and insight, asking questions and offering invaluable feedback to those taking the stage.
Fully funded workplace training and development for North Yorkshire employers
Employers across North Yorkshire can now access free learning and development opportunities designed to help create more inclusive, supportive and productive workplaces. Available through the Get Britain Working Economic Inactivity Trailblazer, the programme from North Yorkshire Council gives employers practical support to develop workplace cultures where employees feel valued, supported and able to thrive in work.
Second registration window now open for tax advisers
Registration is now open for tax advisers in the second phase of the new Modernising and Mandating Tax Adviser Registration (MMTAR) rollout. This applies to any advisers with Self Assessment or Corporation Tax accounts, but without an agent services account (ASA). They have until 18 November 2026 to register.
Sausage maker uses technology to cut energy costs and power future growth
HECK, based in Bedale, produces premium sausages, burgers, mince and meatballs. The family-firm installed a digital Energy Management System (EMS) with support from Made Smarter Yorkshire after soaring electricity prices almost tripled its energy bills.
North Yorkshire brewery taps into technology to fuel growth
Founded in 2013 as a small-batch microbrewery, Harrogate Brewing Company was acquired by Joe and Julie Joyce in 2020 with ambitions to build a larger, more resilient business that could create a long-term future for their family. Just weeks later, the Covid-19 pandemic brought the hospitality industry to a standstill. With its pub customers disappearing almost overnight, the family adapted by launching online sales, home deliveries and a taproom.
New employers: what you need to know about the National Minimum Wage
Taking on your first workers is a milestone moment for any new business. It’s important to pay your workers correctly from day one, as this helps build trust, demonstrates your commitment to treating workers fairly, and lays the foundations for a positive and productive working relationship.