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UK Payslip Glossary

Every term you might see on a UK payslip, explained in plain English. 97 entries, updated for the 2026/27 tax year.

A

Attachment of EarningsDeduction
A court-ordered deduction from your pay to clear a debt. Full definition
Attachment of Earnings OrderDeduction
A court order that compels your employer to deduct a fixed sum from your wages to clear a civil debt. Full definition

C

Child Maintenance DeductionDeduction
A pay deduction ordered by the Child Maintenance Service. Full definition
CSA Deduction (Child Support)Deduction
A historical Child Support Agency deduction from earnings used to fund maintenance payments - now branded as a Deduction from Earnings Order under the Child Maintenance Service. Full definition

D

DeductionsDeduction
Any amount subtracted from gross pay, statutory or voluntary. Full definition
Direct Earnings AttachmentDeduction
A DWP-issued order that lets the department recover overpaid benefits straight from your wages, without going through a court. Full definition

P

Postgraduate Loan (PGL)Deduction
A separate student-loan plan for Master's and Doctoral study, repaid at 6% on income above £21,000 a year. Full definition
Plan 5 Student LoanDeduction
The newest English undergraduate loan plan for courses starting on or after 1 August 2023, repaid at 9% on income above £25,000. Full definition

S

Student Loan DeductionDeduction
Plan-specific repayment deducted from pay above the relevant threshold. Full definition