Paid a benefit that's not in my contract

[UK345]

Since starting my job 1 year ago I have been receiving a lunch allowance which isn't mentioned in my contract. Apparently at my level employees don't get paid the lunch allowance. A couple of colleagues have mentioned that they don't get it. I've not told anyone I get paid this but I wondered what the consequences would be if it was noticed ?

Anyone else had this ?

[georgefreeman918]

I would put the allowance to one side and forget about it.

I'm sure that they will be looking for it back, as soon as they realise.

[AndrewEH1]

Personally, to cover your back, I'd send an quick email to HR/payroll.

[TurricanII]

Employers are entitled to have the overpayment returned. The police reclaimed for a relatively minor overpayment from a family member of mine. It was a small discrepancy over several years. Union was consulted and all was in order, so repayment plan was agreed.

I would contact HR asking for your employment contract to be updated to include the lunch payment and see how that goes.

[Beetnik]

You could:
1. Tell HR you've recently had a conversation with a colleague and realise that you've been paid lunch allowance albeit you now recognise you shouldn't have been. They'll stop paying it and either a) let bygones be bygones and not claim it back or b) ask for it back. If the former thank them and if the latter do so graciously.
OR
2. Carry on and let someone else point it out and risk being seen as dishonest with subsequent consequences when it comes to discretionary pay rises, promotions etc.

Small (in)/actions can have grave consequences down the line...