Employers identified for failing to pay the National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage have left employees short by more than £7.4 million.
Almost 60,000 employees who have suffered financial losses will receive repayments exceeding £7.4 million, as announced by the government on Thursday 29th May.
The inquiries were conducted by His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) were completed between the years of 2015 and 2022.
Five hundred and eighteen companies and employers were named and have now repaid the amounts owed to their employees.
The list was published by HMRC and included household names like Capita, Pizza Express and Lidl, with some employers incurring financial penalties reaching as high as 200% of their underpaid wages.
Although not all instances of minimum wage underpayment are deliberate, the government has made it clear that it will take enforcement measures against employers who fail to pay their employees appropriately.
Baroness Philippa Stroud, Chair of the Low Pay Commission, said:
“We welcome today’s publication. Underpayment leaves workers out of pocket and disadvantages the majority of employers who do abide by the rules.
These naming rounds play an important part in ensuring that all workers receive their full wages and that they are aware there is support for them to ensure that they do.”
The governments inquiry shows the importance of checking your own salary to make sure you are being paid the current national minimum wage or national living wage depending on your age.
What is the 2025/2026 tax year NMW Rate?
The NMW and NLW have both been increased from April 2025 which means your employer(s) should be using the new rates for all pay after the April 1st.
- National Living Wage (age 21 and over): £12.21.
- National Minimum Wage (age 18 to 20): £10.00.
- Under 18: £7.55.
- Apprentice: £7.55.
Increases to the national living wage (NLW) and national minimum wage will positively affect around three million eligible individuals, with full-time PAYE employees (37.5 hours a week) receiving the NLW getting an annual rise of £1505.54.
If you are unsure that you being paid correctly you should check your payslip to make sure the new pay rates have been implemented by your employer.
You can use your P60 (which you can usually find in your HMRC personal tax account online) to help you check previous tax years.
What to do if you’re not being paid the National Minimum Wage
If you suspect that your pay is below the national minimum wage, your first step should be to address the issue directly with your employer.
As an employee if you believe you are receiving inadequate pay, you can visit gov.uk/checkyourpay for further information on potential actions to take.
If after approaching your employer you don’t receive a satisfactory outcome you can:
- Report to HMRC: Regardless of your employment status, you can file a complaint with Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs either online or by phone.
- Contact ACAS: The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) offers advice and can mediate disputes between workers and employers.
