Almost 400 employers have been penalised for failing to pay the National Minimum Wage, according to government figures published today. The 389 businesses have been ordered to repay more than £7.3 million in wages to roughly 60,000 workers, with a further £12.6 million in fines issued on top.

Key points

  • 389 employers — named for failing to pay the minimum wage
  • £7.3 million — repaid to around 60,000 underpaid workers
  • £12.6 million — in penalties issued to the businesses
  • 7 April 2026 — date the new Fair Work Agency starts work

The companies span sectors including social care, sports and retail, and range from small firms to household names. Among the largest repayments, ISS Mediclean Limited must return over £1.5 million to 6,580 workers, while ISS Facility Services Limited owes £754,760 to 5,378 staff. Other businesses listed include Busy Bees Nurseries, Bupa Care Services, Hays Travel, Costa and Norwich City Football Club.

Business Secretary Peter Kyle said the majority of firms pay their staff correctly and it is unfair when others gain an advantage by breaking the rules. He added: "A good employer doesn't build their business on the back of unpaid wages." Employment Rights Minister Kate Dearden said nobody should finish a week's work having been paid less than they earned, and urged employers to check their payroll.

This is the first naming round since the Chancellor committed to publishing more frequently, and the last before the Fair Work Agency begins operating on 7 April 2026. The new body, created under the Employment Rights Act, will bring enforcement of workers' rights under one roof and will soon also tackle holiday and sick pay breaches. The announcement comes ahead of minimum wage increases in April 2026, when the rate for those aged 21 and over rises from £12.21 to £12.71 an hour.

Editor's comment

What it means in practice

If your payslips have looked short, the list of named employers is worth checking — and you do not need to wait for a government review to act.

  • Check your rate — the Check your pay website shows the current minimum for your age and status.
  • Raise it early — Acas offers free confidential advice, and complaints can be made to HMRC.
  • Keep records — payslips and hours worked help establish what you are owed if a claim is needed.