Minimum wage breaches, including breaches of the National Living Wage, have cost workers from across the UK a combined total of £15.6 million in lost wages.
Figures released by the Government show that around 200,000 workers were affected in 2017/18, in what was the highest underpayment since the National Minimum Wage was introduced.
In total, more than 600 employers were named and shamed in 2017/18 for minimum wage breaches, the highest figure since naming and shaming was introduced in 2014.
Business Minister, Kelly Tolhurst, said: “We are dedicated to stopping underpayment of the minimum wage. Employers must recognise their responsibilities and pay their workers the money they are entitled to.”
Low Pay Commission Chairman, Bryan Sanderson, added: “All workers are entitled to be paid at least the minimum wage, so it is good to see increased focus on enforcement bearing fruit and securing more arrears for more workers.
“Awareness of the minimum wage is vital for workers and employers alike, and strong enforcement is critical to its success.”
The current rates of the National Living and Minimum Wage are:
| 25 and over | 21 to 24 | 18 to 20 | Under 18 | Apprentice |
| £7.83 | £7.38 | £5.90 | £4.20 | £3.70 |
If anyone thinks they are not receiving at least the minimum wage, they can contact the Acas helpline on 0300 123 1100 in confidence or submit a query online via a complaints form.
Link: Record £15.6 million underpayment identified for workers on the minimum wage
