The government has named and shamed over 500 UK employers for underpaying their
employees.
524 businesses were named for failing to pay the minimum wage to pay 172,000
workers, with offending employers ordered to pay nearly £16 million plus an
additional financial penalty.
The National Living Wage (NLW) is set to rise to £11.44 an hour from 1 April
2024.
Offending employers include major high street brands, the government said. It
stated that anyone entitled to be paid the minimum wage should receive it, and
that enforcement action will be taken against employers who do not pay their
staff correctly.
Patricia Rice, Independent Commissioner at the Low Pay Commission (LPC), said:
'Since its introduction nearly 25 years ago, the National Minimum Wage (NMW)
has played a vital role in protecting the earnings of the lowest-paid
workers in the UK. At a time when the cost of living is rising, it is more
important than ever that these workers receive the pay to which they are
entitled.
'NMW underpayment not only cheats workers of their rightful due, it leaves
compliant firms undercut by those who do not abide by the law. By naming the
firms responsible for significant underpayment, we raise awareness of the
nature and the scale of underpayment and encourage all employers to ensure
that they fully comply with the law.'
Internet link: GOV.UK