Students and seasonal staff are being reminded by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to check that they are being paid the national minimum wage.

All workers, including temporary seasonal staff, who often work short-term contracts in bars, hotels, shops and warehouses over the summer, are entitled to it.

Last year HMRC helped 155,000 workers across the UK to recover more than £16 million in pay due to them.

The National Minimum Wage hourly rates are currently:

• £8.91 - Age 23 or over (National Living Wage)

• £8.36 - Age 21 to 22

• £6.56 - Age 18 to 20

• £4.62 - Age under 18

• £4.30 - Apprentice.

Steve Timewell, director Individuals and Small Business Compliance, HMRC, said: “We want to ensure that the South East’s seasonal workers and students are being paid what they are entitled to and, as the economy reopens, help employers if they are unsure of the rules.

“Workers should check their hourly rate and look out for any deductions or unpaid working time which would reduce their pay.

“HMRC investigates every complaint made about the minimum wage, so whether you are selling sun cream, giving a hotel room a clean, or serving a strawberry smoothie, if you think you are being short-changed you should get in touch.”

Go to www.gov.uk/minimum-wage-complaint or call the Acas Pay and Work Rights Helpline on 0300 123 1100, who may transfer the call to HMRC.

Employers can also contact the Acas Helpline for free advice or visit GOV.UK to find out more.