UK Fair Work Agency Names 658 Firms for Minimum Wage Breaches
The UK government has named 658 businesses, including B&Q and Five Guys, for failing to pay the national minimum wage. These employers were ordered to repay £4 million to over 27,000 workers and face £7 million in penalties. The action marks the first enforcement round by the newly established Fair Work Agency, which was created in April under the Employment Rights Act. While B&Q and Five Guys cited technical payroll errors, other named firms include Tesco, Whitbread, and several NHS trusts. Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds emphasized that underpaying staff is illegal and vowed to stamp out such practices. The agency also plans to address issues related to holiday and sick pay in future enforcement actions.