DIY store B&Q and the fast food chain Five Guys are
among hundreds of UK businesses named by the government for paying staff below
the minimum wage. More than 600 employers were ordered to pay affected
workers the outstanding wages, with £4m returned to workers, according to the
Department for Business and Trade. The firms have also been issued penalties worth £7m. The
list of 658 businesses includes shops, restaurants, nurseries, social care
providers and a handful of NHS trusts. The period of underpayments covered by
the list varies depending on the employer, but overall spans from 2013 to 2025. Minimum wage is £12.71 for staff aged 21 and over. For 18
to 20 year olds the rate is £10.85, and for under 18s and apprentices it is £8. B&Q underpaid 4,530 workers a total of more than
£456,000, according to the government. The list marks the first "naming
round" since the Fair Work Agency was set up in April under the Employment
Rights Act. As well as enforcing the minimum wage, the agency also
will soon tackle practices of denying workers holiday and sick pay.
BBQ - What is the impact for the businesses for this?
