A handful of c-store retailers are among a list of nearly 180 employers named and shamed by the government for underpaying minimum wage workers.
The government has today published a list of 179 employers who have collectively underpaid more than 9,000 minimum wage workers by £1.1m.
Nath Stores Limited failed to pay £1,823.69 to one worker; Plaistow Broadway Filling Stations Limited in Basildon, Essex, failed to pay £535.53 to one worker; SM News Limited, a CTN in Wigan, failed to pay £120 to one worker; and Billy Ray Stores in East Riding of Yorkshire failed to pay £161.67 to one worker.
The worst offenders were restaurant chain Wagamama Limited, which failed to pay £133,212.42 to 2,630 workers, and Marriott Hotels, which failed to pay £71,722.93 to 279 workers.
As well as recovering backpay for 9.200 workers, the government also fined the employers a total of £1.3m in penalties for breaking national minimum wage laws.
The list comes ahead of the next National Living Wage rise from £7.50 to £7.83 per hour on 1 April. Apprentices under the age of 19 and those in the first year of their apprenticeship will benefit from a record 5.7% rise.
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.”
2 Readers' comments