Starting a new rotation? Check these first-payslip basics

Bottom line

A payslip can look plausible while still needing a closer look. Start with what you can verify directly: the employer and pay period, your role and WTE, the basic-pay line, expected additions, deductions, extra work and reimbursements.

The basic checks

• Confirm the employer, assignment or payroll reference and the dates covered by the payslip.
• Compare the role, grade and WTE with your contract or work schedule.
• For one full monthly period, compare the basic-pay line with the annual basic salary and WTE that apply to you.
• Identify expected allowances or enhancements, but use the correct contract source before calculating them.
• Match each expected bank, locum or additional shift with the period in which the employer says it should be paid.
• Compare the displayed tax code with HMRC’s own service; do not infer whether it is correct from take-home pay alone.
• Keep the work schedule, shift confirmations, receipts and submission confirmations needed if you later query anything.

Why the free comparison stays narrow

The free Money Check can compare supported monthly basic pay for one fully reviewed England 2016-contract month. It also shows recognised gross, net and deduction lines, but marks them not assessed where the evidence and payroll rules are insufficient. It does not establish that an underpayment exists.

What varies

Pay scales, contract terms, enhancements and payroll conventions vary across the four UK nations, grades and employment types. Your contract, official national source and employer record are authoritative.