PanicStation.org
UK USA
uk Work & employment crises pay not received • wages not paid • salary not paid • unpaid wages uk • payday missed • late pay from employer • payroll error • missing bank transfer • missing wages today • direct credit not received • payslip missing • itemised pay statement missing • wrong pay amount • underpaid this month • employer hasn't paid me • overtime not paid • commission not paid • pay dispute at work • pay deduction confusion

What to do if…
your pay does not arrive on payday

Short answer

Contact payroll/HR (or your manager) immediately and ask them to confirm—today—whether payment was sent, by what method, and when you will actually receive it. Get the answer in writing and keep records.

Do not do these things

  • Do not assume it will “sort itself out” and wait days before raising it.
  • Do not quit on the spot or send an angry message you cannot take back.
  • Do not accept “cash in hand” or an off-the-books workaround to fix it quickly.
  • Do not share bank logins, one-time codes, or passwords with anyone who offers to “help track” the payment.
  • Do not sign anything (especially about deductions or “agreeing” a reduced amount) just to get paid quickly without reading it carefully.

What to do now

  1. Confirm what payday is meant to be for you. Check your contract/offer letter, rota confirmation, or pay schedule message. Note if this is your first pay, you recently changed bank details, or your hours changed—these are common failure points.
  2. Check your bank side properly (including pending items). Look for a pending credit, a rejected payment notice, or anything suggesting the transfer is delayed. Confirm the sort code and account number payroll should be using.
  3. Contact payroll/HR straight away (then your manager if needed). Ask for three specifics:
    • Was payment issued?
    • How was it issued? (bank transfer, cheque, etc.)
    • When will it reach me? (and any payment reference they can provide)
  4. Ask for a same-day practical fix. If payroll confirms an error or failed transfer, ask what they can do today (for example: re-issue the payment, make an emergency/manual payment, or provide a cheque if your employer uses that process).
  5. Get it in writing and start a simple timeline. Save screenshots/emails/chats. Write down: date/time, who you spoke to, what they said, and the promised pay date/method.
  6. Request your payslip/itemised pay statement if it’s missing. If you have a payslip but no money, or the figures don’t match, ask payroll to confirm exactly what was processed (basic pay, overtime, commission/bonus, expenses) and any deductions or adjustments.
  7. Use your workplace route if you have one. If you’re in a union, contact your rep/steward and ask them to raise an urgent pay issue through the agreed process.
  8. If you’re not getting a clear answer, raise it formally in writing. Follow any internal pay dispute/grievance process. If there isn’t one, email HR/payroll and your manager with: what’s missing, the pay period, what you’ve already done, and what you want (payment now and a written explanation).
  9. If it’s still not fixed, get external advice early. Acas can explain options and next steps. Acas helpline: 0300 123 1100. If you may need to escalate, be aware there are strict time limits for some unpaid wages claims (often 3 months minus 1 day from when you should have been paid).

What can wait

  • You do not need to decide right now whether you’ll take legal action.
  • You do not need to confront senior leadership or argue with colleagues today.
  • You do not need to resign today—focus first on getting paid and creating a clear written record.

Important reassurance

It’s common to feel panicked when pay doesn’t arrive, especially if bills are due. Many cases turn out to be payroll or banking errors. Acting quickly, staying factual, and keeping a record usually leads to the fastest resolution.

Scope note

This guide covers first steps to stabilise the situation, get clear information fast, and avoid irreversible moves. If the problem repeats or your employer refuses to pay, you may need specialist advice on formal options.

Important note

This is general information, not legal advice. Employment situations vary, and time limits can apply—if you think you might need to escalate, get timely independent advice.

Additional Resources
Support us