Leighton Buzzard businesses named by Government for failing to pay workers minimum wage

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Government list names 524 businesses – including two in Leighton Buzzard

Two Leighton Buzzard businesses have today (Tuesday) been named by the Government for failing to pay workers the minimum wage.

According to the Government list, Sequence (UK) Limited failed to pay £31,269.03 to 139 workers and Connells Residential failed to pay £17,086.83 to 23 workers.

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The 524 businesses named in today’s list have since paid back what they owe to their staff and have also faced financial penalties of up to 200% of their underpayment. The investigations by His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) concluded between 2015 and 2023. Nationally, the companies failed to pay their workers nearly £16 million, leaving over 172,000 workers out of pocket.

File image of bank notesFile image of bank notes
File image of bank notes

Minister for Enterprise, Markets and Small Business Kevin Hollinrake said: "Employees deserve to get paid properly for the hard work they put in.

"While the majority of businesses already do the right thing and pay their staff what they are owed, today’s announcement sends a message to the minority who aren’t – that there are repercussions to undercutting hard work from their staff."

Whilst not all minimum wage underpayments are intentional, the Government has been clear that anyone entitled to be paid the minimum wage should receive it, and that enforcement action will be taken against employers who do not pay their staff correctly.

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Independent Commissioner at the Low Pay Commission, Patricia Rice, said: "Since its introduction nearly 25 years ago, the national minimum wage has played a vital role in protecting the earnings of the lowest-paid workers in the UK. At a time when the cost-of-living is rising, it is more important than ever that these workers receive the pay to which they are entitled.

"NMW underpayment not only cheats workers of their rightful due, it leaves compliant firms undercut by those who do not abide by the law. By naming the firms responsible for significant underpayment, we raise awareness of the nature and the scale of underpayment and encourage all employers to ensure that they fully comply with the law."

Sequence UK Limited and Connells Residential have been approached for comment.

Workers who suspect they are being underpaid can visit the Government’s website to find out more.

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