UK Payslip Explained: Your Rights and What It Must Show
In this guide
Quick answer: UK employers must give you a payslip on or before payday, in printed or electronic form. GOV.UK says it must show your earnings before and after deductions, the deductions that change each pay period (such as tax and National Insurance), and hours worked if your pay varies with time worked.
Who does not get a payslip?
Some workers are not entitled to one, including contractors and freelancers, police service members, merchant seamen, and share fishing crew paid by a share of profits or gross earnings.
What must it show?
- Earnings before and after deductions.
- Deductions that change each pay period, such as tax and National Insurance.
- Hours worked, if pay varies with time worked.
What about fixed deductions?
Deductions that stay the same amount, such as a season ticket loan repayment, must also be explained. This can be on the payslip or in a separate written statement. The statement must be given before the first payslip and updated every year.
Why keep your payslips?
Payslips can serve as proof of earnings, tax paid and pension contributions. Newcomers often need them for renting a home or opening accounts.
What if something looks wrong?
You are responsible for checking that you are paying the correct amount of tax. If the tax looks incorrect, your tax code may be wrong. Read our guide to the emergency tax code.
Common mistakes
- Not checking the tax code on the payslip.
- Deleting electronic payslips when you change jobs.
FAQ
Can my payslip be electronic?
Yes. GOV.UK says printed or electronic form is allowed.
Key takeaways
- You are normally entitled to a payslip on or before payday.
- Check earnings, deductions and hours.
- Keep copies as proof of earnings.
Related guides
- First 90 days in a new country
- UK emergency tax code explained
- UK minimum wage rates
- Open a UK bank account as a newcomer
Last updated: October 2026.
Sources
- GOV.UK: Payslips