Four businesses across Reading have been named and shamed by the Government for failing to pay their lowest paid staff the minimum wage.

This is part of a UK-wide list, citing 202 employers that have left 63,000 workers out of pocket.

From large chain hotels to small independent businesses, those who fail to repay workers could face penalties. This follows off the back of the 9.7% increase in National Living Wage.

In total, four Reading business have failed to pay 2,360 workers a total of £200,469.41.

 

These businesses are:

Company                                                  Workers                      Failed to pay

Baxterstorey Limited, Reading, RG6,            2,166                           £185,242.24

 

Holroyd Howe Limited, Reading, RG6,           129                             £10,302.15          

 

Cater Link Limited, Reading, RG6,                 61                                £4,285.35

 

The H Room Limited – Active proposal to strike off, Reading, RG1, (Failed to pay £639.67 to 4 workers.)

This list released on Wednesday, June 21 is stated to send a message that no business is exempt from payer their workers the statutory minimum wage.

 

Bryan Sanderson Chair of the Low Pay Commission said:

“The minimum wage acts as a guarantee to ensure all workers without exception receive a decent minimum standard of pay. Where employers break the law, they not only do a disservice to their staff but also undermine fair competition between businesses.

“Regular naming rounds should be a useful tool in raising awareness of underpayment and helping to protect minimum wage workers.”

A spokesperson for BaxterStorey said: “In 2018, HMRC made us aware of an administrative error that impacted some employees' pay. We have worked closely with HMRC to put processes in place to ensure this error doesn’t happen again. We deeply value the contributions of our employees and remain dedicated to upholding a work environment that is fair and supportive for everyone."