The latest release of the National Minimum Wage Naming Scheme has put a sharp spotlight on 65 London businesses named and shamed for failing to pay staff the legal minimum. The findings form part of a wider national disclosure in which nearly 500 employers across the UK were found to have underpaid workers.
The government repaid £6 million to around 42,000 employees and issued fines totalling £10.2 million. Business Secretary Peter Kyle repeated the government’s position that “every worker deserves a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work” and warned that the authorities will not tolerate employers who ignore wage rules.
The list of 65 London businesses named and shamed offers a cross section of sectors and sizes. Adecco UK topped the London list after failing to pay £436,877.95 to 3,356 workers. WGC Ltd followed, owing £62,112.33 to 1,064 staff. High street brands, hospitality chains and even a local authority featured. Cineworld was listed for failing to pay £3,809.85 to 99 workers, while Hugo Boss UK owed £16,699.69 to 136 workers. Havering Council was included for failing to pay £3,707.60 to 8 employees.
Some of the most striking entries show that the issue is not confined to any single type of organisation. Nurseries, law firms, hotels, automotive businesses, design studios and independent retailers all appeared among the 65 London businesses named and shamed. The inclusion of both multinational firms and small operators demonstrates the breadth of the problem. Niall Mackenzie, Acas Chief Executive, emphasised that paying the minimum wage is not only a legal obligation but a necessary safeguard against costly disputes and reputational damage. He warned that failing to comply can result in employment tribunals and the risk of being publicly listed.
The government’s Round 22 publication leaves little ambiguity. Each business is listed with the exact amount owed and the number of affected workers. Some underpayments involved only a single member of staff while others stretched into the hundreds or thousands. Despite the variation in scale, the consequences remain the same once the names are published. Being one of the 65 London businesses named and shamed places employers firmly under public scrutiny.
The list also shows that underpayment can happen for a range of reasons. Although the release does not speculate on those causes, previous government guidance notes that errors can include incorrect deductions, unpaid working time or outdated payroll systems. Whatever the reason, businesses are reminded that compliance is non negotiable. The focus now is on ensuring that the 65 London businesses named and shamed address their failings.
Public naming is intended to reinforce the basic principle that wages must reflect lawful minimums. The government’s message is clear. Companies must meet their obligations or face financial penalties and public accountability. Workers are being encouraged to check their payslips and raise concerns if something does not add up. As enforcement continues, more employers may yet join the list. For now, the 65 London businesses named and shamed serve as a reminder that breaches do not go unnoticed.
