Think You’ve Been Underpaid? Read This First.

Thousands of UK HGV drivers are being quietly exploited through deceptive employment contracts that are designed to confuse, manipulate, and underpay.

Here’s what to look out for:

Employment contracts that don’t state your weekly working hours

Contracts that list hours but offer no overtime rate when you exceed them

Overtime rates listed but never paid

Salary contracts default to 48 hours legally, regardless of ANY hours stated.

Any clause stating a “reasonable amount of overtime is expected”

Opting out of the working time directive does not remove your legal right to be paid for hours beyond 48

Legally, any hours worked over 48 per week must be paid and there must be a clear reference to what that rate is. If it’s not in writing, or not being paid, it’s a breach.

Opting out of the Working Time Directive does not remove your legal right to claim.

Here’s the truth:

If your hourly rate, excluding tax-free payments, falls below minimum wage, you have a claim.
These are the easiest cases to win, and most employers fold under pressure before it ever reaches court.

Minimum wage violations carry fines of up to £20,000 per breach.
Once we challenge it, they have nowhere to hide.

Know Your Rights

Your employer is legally obligated to provide you with a copy of your employment contract upon request.
If they refuse, delay, or make excuses. That’s a red flag.

You have a legal right to:

Request a copy of your contract at any time

Review the terms of your hours, pay, and overtime

Challenge anything that breaches employment law

Disclaimer:
This calculator is for guidance purposes only and based on the information you provide. It does not constitute legal advice. Actual eligibility and claim values may vary depending on your employment contract and supporting evidence.

OVER PAID TAX ON YOUR ALLOWANCES?

If you’ve been taxed on your night out allowances, meal allowances, or any other tax-free entitlements, you may be owed money and HMRC gives you the legal right to claim it back.

You can claim for the past four full tax years, running from 6 April to 5 April each year.

As of now, eligible claim years include:

2021–2022

2022–2023

2023–2024

2024–2025 (in progress)

That means you could be owed thousands in overpaid tax — and most drivers don’t even realise they’ve been short-changed.

This isn’t a refund. It’s a recovery.
Money you were never meant to lose.

If you’ve spent nights out in your truck and paid tax on the allowance.

You’re eligible.

Disclaimer:
This calculator provides an estimated value of potential tax back based on your weekly nights out. It is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or tax advice. Actual claim amounts may vary depending on individual employment contracts, HMRC processing, and supporting documentation. For full eligibility and submission support, please contact HGV Shield directly. All claims are subject to HMRC rules and approval.