Hundreds of UK Firms Short-Changed Staff

Over 600 UK businesses have been named by the government for failing to pay their employees the national minimum wage. These employers have been ordered to return approximately £4 million in owed wages to affected staff and have collectively been issued £7 million in penalties. Among the companies listed are well-known retailers like B&Q and fast-food chain Five Guys, alongside numerous shops, restaurants, nurseries, and even some NHS trusts.

B&Q stated that underpayments were unintentional, relating to geographical allowance calculations, and confirmed all affected colleagues were paid in full in July 2025. Five Guys attributed its underpayments to technical payroll regulation application differences and confirmed all required payments have been made. NHS hospital trusts also appeared on the list, with explanations ranging from technical compliance issues to inadvertent underpayments to apprentices between 2019 and 2023.

The government has expressed determination to eliminate the practice of underpaying staff, with Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds stating that looking after workers is both right and smart. The Fair Work Agency, established in April, will also address issues such as denying holiday and sick pay. The agency's chair highlighted that paying the minimum wage is a legal requirement, not an option, and robust enforcement will protect workers and ensure fair competition.