More than 200 companies have been named by Government for failing to pay their lowest-paid staff the minimum wage some years ago.
The 202 employers were found to have failed to pay their workers almost £5m, in a clear breach of National Minimum Wage (NMW) law, leaving around 63,000 workers out of pocket.
Companies named range from major high street brands to small businesses and sole traders. They include Marks & Spencer (failed to pay £578,390.79 to 5363 workers) and Argos (failed to pay £480,093.58 to 10,399 workers).
Minister for Enterprise, Markets and Small Business, Kevin Hollinrake, says: "Paying the legal minimum wage is non-negotiable and all businesses, whatever their size, should know better than to short-change hard-working staff. Most businesses do the right thing and look after their employees, but we’re sending a clear message to the minority who ignore the law – pay your staff properly or you’ll face the consequences."
The businesses named have since paid back what they owe to their staff, and have also faced financial penalties. The investigations by His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs concluded between 2017-19.
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