21 Oct 2025
The government has named and shamed nearly 500 employers who failed to pay the National Minimum Wage (NMW).
The employers have been fined over £10 million for failing to comply with NMW laws. In addition, £6 million has been repaid to 42,000 workers by employers who have been underpaying their staff.
The government says that enforcement of workers' rights is set to be beefed up through the new Fair Work Agency which will shield workers from employers who flout the law. It says that this strong enforcement doesn't just protect workers, it protects those businesses who do right by their staff from being undercut.
By taking swift action against these employers, the government is sending a clear message that it will not tolerate those who short-change their workers, regardless of their size or sector.
Business Secretary Peter Kyle said: '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.
'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.'