Justin Backs Government Action To Tackle Businesses Who Fail To Pay The Minimum Wage

North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson is giving his support to the Government’s commitment to tackle businesses who do not pay their staff the minimum wage.

The Government announced this week that it was publishing a list to name and shame nearly 180 businesses who did not pay their staff minimum wage in the last quarter. These businesses have underpaid a total of 9,500 people by nearly £1.1m.

In addition to publishing this list, the Government has recovered the backpay due to workers, as well as fining the businesses involved a total of £1.3m.

The publication of this list, is part of £25.3 million investment in enforcing businesses to pay the minimum wage this year.

It comes ahead of the next wage rise on 1 April, when the National Living Wage will go up from £7.50 to £7.83 per hour. Apprentices under the age of 19, and those in the first year of their apprenticeship, will benefit from a record 5.7% rise.

Justin Tomlinson MP said: “It is completely unacceptable that some businesses do not pay their staff minimum wage, and it is entirely right that the Government seeks to address this. I am pleased that this firm action is being taken alongside action to increase the National Living Wage - benefiting millions of employees."