A dozen Teesside businesses are included on a Government list of hundreds of UK employers who have been named for failing to pay their staff the minimum wage. A total of 658 employers are on the latest list of firms that have not paid workers the National Minimum Wage, leading to millions of pounds in wages having to be repaid.
The Government says the publication of the list comes as it continues its drive to give working people more room to breathe and deliver inclusive growth in every postcode. Around £4m has been returned to over 27,000 workers, with penalties totalling £7m issued to the employers responsible.
The naming round marks the latest step in the Government’s commitment to publish naming lists more regularly, so that bosses are swiftly held to account and make improvements as soon as possible. Since first launching in 2011, more than £100m in penalties have been issued to over 5,200 employers, leading to over £66 million being repaid to 650,000 workers.
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: “The best businesses know that looking after your workers isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s the smart thing to do, building the stronger, more successful businesses that drive growth in every postcode. Most employers already understand this, and I want to work with them to ensure they have every piece of guidance and support available to help them follow the rules. Short-changing your staff isn’t a shortcut to success and we are determined to stamp it out.”
Minister for the Future of Work Kate Dearden said: “Underpaying your staff is illegal, and we will not let workers foot the bill for their boss failing to follow the rules. We’re making sure workers get the hard-earned pay they deserve, and where employers fall short, they will be held to account. Every employer should check their payroll now and reach out to Acas if they need further support.”
The list marks the first ‘naming round’ since the Fair Work Agency was set up in April, to bring workers’ rights enforcement under one roof for the first time.
Chair of the Fair Work Agency Advisory Board Matthew Taylor said: “The Fair Work Agency is here to make it easier for employers to understand and meet their responsibilities, while taking firm action where workers are denied the pay they are legally owed. This naming round is an important reminder that paying the minimum wage is not optional — it is the law. Most employers want to do the right thing, and we will support them to comply, but those who fall short should expect robust enforcement to protect workers and maintain a fair playing field for responsible businesses. We are urging all employers to check their payroll, review their processes and correct any mistakes now, so every worker receives the pay they are entitled to.”
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