Understanding your pay

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Performance-related pay

Your employer should base your performance-related pay on clear, measurable targets - they should tell you about these.

There are 2 main types of performance pay:

• short-term schemes, like bonus payments or sales commission
• long-term schemes, like company shares

Non-payment of bonuses or commission

If you do not get a bonus or commission you’re owed and you think there’s been a mistake:

• speak to your employer to see if there’s been a misunderstanding
• ask them set out in writing how they’ve calculated your pay
• keep copies of any letters and notes of any meetings

If a bonus or commission is included in your contract, non-payment is a breach of contract. You can get help with making a complaint.

Non-payment of bonuses may also be covered legally under:

• unlawful deductions from wages - for example, you’re entitled to payment but it has not been given
• unlawful discrimination - your employer must not discriminate against particular groups, for example giving smaller bonuses to women

If you need help, you can:

• go to Acas (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) for advice
• contact your nearest Citizens Advice
• talk to your trade union representative

View a printable version of the whole guide