You've done the shifts.
You've worked out your hours.
You've multiplied them by your hourly rate.
You're already mentally spending the money.
Then your payslip turns up.
And suddenly there are loads of letters, numbers and deductions you don't recognise.
Brilliant.
So where's your money actually going?
Let's sort it.
FIRST UP. GROSS PAY VS NET PAY.
Gross pay is what you've earned before deductions.
Net pay is what actually lands in your bank account after deductions.
Let's say you work 20 hours at £13 an hour.
That's:
20 × £13 = £260 GROSS PAY.
But that doesn't automatically mean £260 will hit your account.
Depending on your circumstances, tax, National Insurance or other deductions might apply.
WHAT'S PAYE?
PAYE stands for Pay As You Earn.
It's the system employers use to deduct Income Tax and National Insurance from wages when required.
At GRAFTD, we pay workers through PAYE.
So instead of you having to work out your own tax every payday, the payroll system handles the relevant deductions.
WHAT'S A TAX CODE?
Your tax code helps your employer work out how much Income Tax to deduct.
You'll usually see it somewhere on your payslip.
If you've just started working, changed jobs or have more than one job, it's worth checking your tax code is correct.
If something looks wrong, don't ignore it.
You can check your tax information through HMRC.
WHAT ABOUT NATIONAL INSURANCE?
National Insurance is another deduction you might see.
Whether you pay it, and how much, depends on your earnings and circumstances.
It's not necessarily taken from every payslip.
And no, National Insurance isn't the same thing as Income Tax.
HOLIDAY PAY. DON'T FORGET ABOUT IT.
Even when you're doing temporary shifts, you can still build up paid holiday entitlement.
With GRAFTD, holiday is accrued and paid when you take your holiday, in line with your agreement.
It's worth understanding how much you've built up and how to request it.
That money is part of your employment rights.
WHAT ELSE SHOULD YOU CHECK?
When your payslip arrives, look at:
HOURS WORKED
Do they match what you've actually worked?
HOURLY RATE
Is it the rate you agreed for that assignment?
GROSS PAY
Does the total look right?
DEDUCTIONS
Can you see what's been taken off and why?
NET PAY
Does it match what you've been paid?
If something doesn't add up, ask us.
Seriously.
We'd rather you asked than sat there wondering where your money's gone.
KEEP YOUR PAYSLIPS.
Don't just delete them.
You might need them later when applying for a rental property, sorting out tax or proving your income.
Save them somewhere sensible.
THE BOTTOM LINE.
Your payslip shouldn't feel like a maths exam you didn't revise for.
Know what you've earned.
Understand your deductions.
And speak up if something doesn't look right.
YOU DID THE WORK. KNOW YOUR PAY.
Useful official guidance: Understanding your payslip · Check your tax code. Your GRAFTD agreement explains your pay and holiday arrangements.