The Government has today released the latest ‘name and shame’ list of employers who have failed to pay a total of 9,200 workers the minimum wage.
Employers who pay workers less than the minimum wage now have to pay back arrears of wages to the worker at current minimum wage rates. The employers have also been fined a total of £1.3 million in penalties for breaking national minimum wage laws.
As seems to be the case in every round, many of the employers on the list are in retail, care, hospitality and hairdressing, however many on the list are surprisingly national employers, including Wagamama, Marriott Hotels, TGI Fridays and a number of well-known football clubs.
The next rate rise comes into force on 1 April, when the National Living Wage will go up from £7.50 to £7.83 per hour. Apprentices under the age of 19 and those in the first year of their apprenticeship will benefit from a record 5.7% rise.
The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) will launch a new campaign next month to raise awareness of the increased rates. Employees will be encouraged to talk to their employer if they believe their wage is less than the national minimum.
Business Minister Andrew Griffiths said:
“The world of work is changing and we have set out our plans to give millions of workers enhanced rights to ensure everyone is paid and treated fairly in the workplace.
“There are no excuses for short-changing workers. This is an absolute red line for this government and employers who cross it will get caught – not only are they forced to pay back every penny but they are also fined up to 200% of wages owed.
“Today’s naming round serves as a sharp reminder to employers to get their house in order ahead of minimum wage rate rises on 1 April.”
Bryan Sanderson, Chairman of the Low Pay Commission (LPC), said:
“As the National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage rates rise on 1 April, it is vital that workers understand their rights, and employers their obligations.
“The Low Pay Commission is pleased to see the government maintaining the momentum of its minimum wage enforcement.
“The recent announcement that all workers will have a right to payslips stating the hours they have worked – an idea originally proposed by the LPC – is a positive step.
This 14th naming round comes after the government published its Good Work plan last month, which announced the right to a payslip for all workers. The new law is likely to benefit around 300,000 UK workers who do not currently get a payslip.
For those paid by the hour, payslips will also have to include how many hours the worker is paid for, making pay easier to understand and challenge if it is wrong. The move is part of the government’s Industrial Strategy, the long-term plan to build a Britain fit for the future by helping businesses create better, higher-paying jobs in every part of the UK.
Since 2013 the scheme has identified more than £9 million in back pay for around 67,000 workers, with more than 1,700 employers fined a total of £6.3 million. The government has also committed £25.3 million for minimum wage enforcement in 2017 to 2018.