Over 500 Employers Named and Shamed | Consensus HR – Your Outsourced HR & Employment Law Partner
Over 500 Employers Named and Shamed for Failing to Pay National Minimum Wage
Consensus HR – Your Outsourced HR & Employment Law Partner in Herts & Beds
📅 Published: 21st May 2024
🔗 Official government source – gov.uk
The UK Government has publicly named 524 employers who failed to pay the National Minimum Wage (NMW), impacting over 172,000 workers and totalling £16 million in underpayments. The list was released by the Department for Business and Trade, reinforcing the government’s zero-tolerance approach to wage non-compliance.
💬 Matthew Chilcott, FCIPD, ACEL, Owner of Consensus HR, comments:
“This latest ‘naming and shaming’ by the government is a serious reminder for businesses to ensure their payroll and HR practices are fully compliant. At Consensus HR, we work with business owners to proactively prevent issues like this through clear documentation, compliant systems and timely updates.”
🚨 Why Were These Businesses Penalised?
The government identified several reasons behind the breaches, including:
❌ Making deductions from pay (e.g. for uniforms or training) that reduced wages below the legal minimum.
❌ Failing to pay for all time worked, including overtime or travel time between jobs.
❌ Incorrectly paying apprentice rates to employees not enrolled in apprenticeship schemes.
These mistakes—many unintentional—demonstrate why accurate and legally compliant HR practices are essential.
⚠️ What Are the Risks of Non-Compliance?
Employers who fail to meet minimum wage obligations face:
💸 Financial penalties of up to 200% of the underpayment
📣 Public naming by the government
⚖️ Tribunal claims and legal action
😟 Damage to employee morale and your employer reputation
✅ How Consensus HR Can Help
As your local outsourced HR and Employment Law partner, we support businesses in Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and surrounding areas to avoid costly HR mistakes.
We provide:
📝 Tailored HR Support Services
📚 Employment Law & Compliance Guidance
📋 Regular HR Audits & Risk Assessments
📄 Legally Compliant Contracts of Employment
“Businesses that work with Consensus HR know that their HR is being looked after correctly,” says Matthew Chilcott.
“We keep your policies and documents up-to-date with UK law so you can focus on running your business.”
💼 Don’t Leave Compliance to Chance
If you’re unsure whether your business is compliant with National Minimum Wage regulations or wider HR obligations, now is the time to act.
📞 Call us: 01438 576750
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Visit: www.consensushr.com
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