Government ensures underpaid workers are recompensated

The government has announced that the almost 60,000 workers paid under the minimum wage will be repaid over £7.4 million by their employers, which the government has named.

Both the National Living Wage and the National Minimum Wage were given a significant boost, up to £1,400 for full-time workers on the National Living Wage, yet 518 employers and businesses have failed to pay their staff correctly and legally, dating back from 2015.

The government named these yesterday (29th May 2025), and these employers and businesses have since paid back what they owe to their staff as well as facing financial penalties of up to 200 per cent of their underpayment. The investigations by His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) concluded between 2015-2022.

Minister for employment rights, Justin Madders said: “There is no excuse for employers to undercut their workers, and we will continue to name companies who break the law and don’t pay their employees what they are owed.

“Ensuring workers have the support they need and making sure they receive a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work is key commitment in our Plan for Change. This will put more money in working people’s pockets, helping to boost productivity and ending low pay.”