Payroll deduction

A payroll deduction is any amount taken out of your pay before it reaches you. Some deductions are compulsory, such as income tax and social contributions, while others are voluntary, such as pension payments, union dues, insurance or repayments arranged through your employer.

Reading your payslip line by line is the only reliable way to see where the money goes. Voluntary deductions are easy to set up and just as easy to forget.