Workers urged to check pay as nearly 660 employers named over minimum wage

Around 660 employers across the UK have been named by the Government for failing to pay their staff the National Minimum Wage, with about £4 million returned to more than 27,000 workers who had been denied pay they were legally owed. Minimum wage law applies to most workers in all parts of the UK, and staff in Newcastle who think they have been underpaid are being urged to check their payslips.

Penalties totalling £7 million have been issued to the employers responsible. Since the naming scheme first launched in 2011, more than £100 million in penalties has been issued to over 5,200 employers, leading to more than £66 million being repaid to 650,000 workers.

The list includes several well-known national names. B&Q Limited, based in Eastleigh, failed to pay £456,934.72 to 4,530 workers, while Five Guys JV Limited failed to pay £54,642.47 to 3,699 workers. Elysium Healthcare Holdings 3 Limited, based in Borehamwood, failed to pay £330,048.81 to 1,095 workers.

It is the first naming round since the Fair Work Agency was set up in April. The body was created through the Employment Rights Act to bring enforcement of workers' rights under one roof for the first time, and is also set to tackle employers who deny holiday and sick pay. HM Revenue and Customs enforces the minimum wage on its behalf.

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: "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." She added that every employer should check their payroll now and contact Acas if they need further support.

Workers who suspect they are being underpaid can visit gov.uk/checkyourpay, or contact Acas for free, impartial and confidential advice. From April 2026 the rates will be £12.71 an hour for those aged 21 and over, £10.85 for 18 to 20-year-olds, and £8 for under-18s and apprentices.