Ah, maybe one of my experiences isn’t common. Mine started after a benefit was added and somehow not reported, which probably was my employer’s fault but I didn’t get anywhere with them. Reporting it seemed to clear it up.

I have had it where a second employer totally messed up which just involved waiting until April. Then another where a previous employer failed to produce a P45 and I just had to push them for it. Those are probably more common and, you’re right, the hotline didn’t help.

I’ve been at a small company where I’ve overheard directors talk about how they purposely didn’t produce a P45 out of spite of someone leaving. It relies on good faith far too much and is confusing to navigate.