Almost 500 employers who failed to pay the minimum wage have been named on Friday (17 October) as part of a government crackdown. Major names like Holland & Barrett, Centrica, and Cineworld feature on the list.
Around 42,000 workers have been repaid by their employers, including well-known high street brands, with employers receiving fines totalling £10.2 million for breaking the rules.
By taking swift action against these employers, the government said it is sending a clear message that it will not tolerate those who short-change their workers, regardless of their size or sector.
“Every worker deserves a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work, and this government will not tolerate rogue employers who short-change their staff,” said Business Secretary Peter Kyle.
“I know that no employer wants to end up on one of these lists. But our Plan to Make Work Pay cracks down on those not playing by the rules.
“This ensures a level playing field where all businesses pay what they owe whilst workers receive the boost to their living standards they deserve.”
The National Living Wage (21 and over) in 2025 currently stands at £12.21 an hour. If workers suspect they are being underpaid, they can visit gov.uk/checkyourpay to find out more about what they can do.
Workers can also visit the Acas website for free, impartial and confidential advice or complain to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) at the Pay and work rights helpline and complaints.
A full list of the offending companies can be found here.
Fair Work Agency
Government recently announced that the new Fair Work Agency is expected to transform how employment rights are enforced across the UK. This includes using new powers to ensure the estimated 900,000 people who have holiday pay withheld each year finally receive it, to cracking down on those employers failing to pay the minimum wage.
The Fair Work Agency will have robust powers to investigate and tackle employers flouting the law, including workplace inspections, civil penalties for underpayments, and the ability to bring proceedings on workers’ behalf.
It will also provide support to businesses on following employment laws, helping create a level playing field for all where those who want to do the right thing aren’t undercut by those who don’t.
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