What could HR mistakes cost you?
Choose how many incidents to include in an illustrative year.
Up to £45,000 each for a first breach, assuming no statutory defence or reductions. Missing checks alone do not trigger a fine if the person has the right to work. Home Office rules.
Uses the maximum £20,000 penalty per worker. The penalty is 200% of arrears, so this assumes at least £10,000 owed to each person. Wages must also be repaid. HMRC penalty rules.
Uses £40,000 compensation plus a £22,530 basic award. This upper limit assumes 20 counted years of service aged 41 or over; actual awards depend on losses, age and service. 2026 award limits.
Uses the higher four-week award: £3,004 at the £751 weekly pay cap. Two or four weeks may be awarded alongside another successful eligible claim. Count only this extra award here. Written terms award rules.
Fines & awards at the limits shown
For Great Britain at current 2026 limits. These are upper-limit scenarios, not expected annual costs.
£600 a year for practical support with checks, pay, contracts and people decisions.
Excludes wage repayments, legal fees, settlements, uncapped claims, tribunal uplifts and additional awards. Acas explains when awards can increase.
Reduce the risk before it becomes a claim
Small gaps in checks, pay or contracts can become expensive disputes. Start with the essentials:
- Keep Right to Work evidence and follow-up checks up to date.
- Check working time and deductions when reviewing minimum wage compliance.
- Give staff clear written terms and get advice before dismissing someone.
For help deciding what support your business needs, see our fixed-fee HR package guide.