JustChecking

Hi there, I would like to clarify the law relating to NMW and deductions from my Salary. My Work Pension Scheme allows members to buy added pension, and to do so via payroll. The scheme guidance says that I can buy pension with monthly payments, and that I can use up to 100% of my salary for this purpose. I currently purchase a small amount each month, and an amount is deducted from my salary at payroll. I have asked to increase the amount I purchase, but my payroll department says they can't legally do this, as it would take me below the NMW. I have read the guidance on calculating the NMW https://www.gov.uk/guidance/calculating-the-minimum-wage/calculating-the-minimum-wage and I believe this scenario is covered by sections "Deductions from pay and payments by workers that do not reduce minimum wage pay" and "Deductions from pay which are not connected to a worker's employment or for the employers benefit". I believe the relevant section in the NMW Manual is NMWM11180 https://www.gov.uk/hmrc-internal-manuals/national-minimum-wage-manual/nmwm11180 I believe this means that I should be able to instruct my payroll department to make these payments and they are not prohibited from doing so due to the laws for National Minimum Wage. Can you confirm whether my analysis is correct, so that I can respond to my payroll department's concerns? Many thanks.