Many young people recognize this problem: you have worked, but not all hours have been paid. Sometimes it concerns a few hours, sometimes structurally missed shifts, breaks that are withheld or “extra” work that is not reflected anywhere on your pay slip.
Is that allowed? No. Hours worked must be paid.
In this blog you can read what your rights are, when employers are wrong and how you can still get your wages.
When must hours worked be paid?
The main rule is simple:
👉 everything you work must be paid.
That applies also for:
side jobs
part-time work
0-hour contracts
temporary work
student jobs
It doesn't matter if it's “just” a few hours.
Common excuses (and why they're wrong)
Employers say often:
“Those were training hours”
“That was a trial day”
“You were not on the roster”
“That is part of your position”
“That was a break”
👉 In most cases, these are not valid reasons not to withhold wages pay.
Training hours and trial days
Have you:
followed along
trained
performed a trial day
Then usually the following applies: that is work and must be paid.
Unpaid “trial runs” are often not allowed, especially if you really cooperates.
Breaks and preparation time
Not every break is unpaid.
It is important:
were you obliged to be present?
could you freely dispose of your time?
did you have to remain available?
Also time for:
opening or closing
cleaning
handover
changing clothes (in some cases)
can count as paid working time.
What if hours are deliberately not registered?
Some employers:
delete hours afterwards
adjust schedules to
put fewer hours on the pay slip
👉 This is not allowed.
The pay slip must correspond to what you have actually worked.
How can you prove that you have worked?
Proof can be:
schedules
apps or e-mails
time clock or app registrations
agendas
witnesses (colleagues)
You don't have to prove everything. Making it plausible is often sufficient.
What should you do if your hours have not been paid?
Follow this step-by-step plan:
Check your pay slip carefully
List which hours are missing
Ask for correction in writing
Save all evidence
Take action if payment is not made
If payment is not made, you can:
claim wages
sometimes demand increases and interest
consider legal action
Common mistakes of young people
think that it is “too little money” is about
not daring to say anything
not keeping evidence
reacting too late
assuming that the employer is right
That is a shame. Young people in particular often leave money behind here.
Are you unsure whether your hours have rightly not been paid?
Are you:
student
part-timer
temporary worker
young person with a part-time job
and are you missing wages or hours? salary?
Then have it checked. It often turns out that:
the employer is wrong
you are entitled to additional payment
additional compensation is possible
👉 Feel free to contact us to have your situation assessed.