Q: I am over 25 and entitled to the National Living Wage, but I suspect I am being underpaid. How can I find out if I’m being paid the right amount, and claim what I am owed from my employer?

A: If you think you’ve been underpaid, act quickly, as it’s harder to get your money back after three months.

Check your payslip and ask your employer to explain anything you don’t understand. Tell them why you think you have been underpaid. If there was a genuine mistake, you should be repaid immediately.

If your employer refuses to pay, you can formally raise a grievance, either by writing a letter or following your company’s grievance procedure.

If this still doesn’t work, contact the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas), who will see if your employer will agree to a conciliation process, rather than go to court.

Otherwise you can take your employer to a tribunal, but think carefully because a tribunal claim can be expensive and stressful.

If you need any advice or guidance through this process, contact your nearest Citizens Advice.

Free, confidential advice and help is available from South Lakes Citizens Advice on any aspect of debt, consumer problems, benefits, housing, employment or any other problems. We have various outlets across South Lakeland and can also give advice over the phone – telephone 03444 111 444 for an appointment and help, 015394 46464 for debt and on-going enquiries.