Just under one in 10 employees (9%) do not understand everything on their payslip.

Research from the Institute of Payroll Professionals (IPP) highlights the importance of workers reading their payslip every time they are paid to check whether all the information is correct, including National Insurance contributions, tax, employee benefits and pension deductions.

For National Payroll Week, taking place from 6 to10 September, the IPP is urging employees to speak to their payroll department if they have any questions relating to their payslip.

Lindsay Melvin, chief executive of the IPP, said: "Organisations are legally required to provide their employees with an itemised payslip whenever they are paid, but it is surprising the number of people who do not understand them.

"Understanding all the details and figures in one’s payslip is the only way to be completely sure that you are getting paid correctly. In reality, error rates are very low but knowing your payslip inside and out is the best way to be able to spot mistakes or miscalculations.

"This is particularly relevant with the growing number of organisations implementing e-payslips, by which employees may be even more confused because they are unfamiliar with a new format.

"The Institute is encouraging employees to approach their payroll department during National Payroll Week to discuss any queries or concerns they may have about their payslip."