Debenhams and 359 businesses underpay their employees

HMRC has today (15 Feb) added 360 employers to a list that names and shames some of the biggest retailers across the UK. It’s the first time that a report includes those that have fallen foul if the New Living Wage that was introduced last year in 2016.

Debenhams sits at the top of their list, where an administrative error caused nearly 12.000 employees.

“Debenhams Retail plc, London NW1, failed to pay £134,894.83 to 11,858 workers.”

Unfortunately, this list includes both small and large employers which affects employees working in all sorts of roles but particularly hairdressing, hospitality and retail sectors were the most prolific offenders.

These claims are usually highlighted with ACAS and and passed to HMRC who further investigate the issues.

The Top 10 Offending Employers also include:

  1. Pembrokeshire Care Limited, Haverfordwest SA61, failed to pay £55,056.75 to 154 workers.
  2. Mr Lorenzo Berni trading as Osteria San Lorenzo, London SW3, failed to pay £53,496.57 to 29 workers.
  3. Tag Hotel Limited trading as Aviator Hotel, Farnborough GU14, failed to pay £32,094.17 to 37 workers.
  4. WH Recruitment Ltd, Portadown BT62, failed to pay £26,418.67 to 143 workers.
  5. Drivecheck Limited, Hull HU11, failed to pay £24,363.36 to 6 workers.
  6. Dr Lakbir Singh and Mr Devinder Singh trading as Nutwood Cottage Day Nursery, Lincoln LN6, failed to pay £22,082.16 to 11 workers.
  7. Mrs Helen Dey, Mrs Karen Clark, Mr Harry Clark, Miss Jessica Clark & Miss Jennifer Dey trading as Tiny Turners Nurseries, Stockton-on-Tees TS18, failed to pay £20,740.90 to 54 workers.
  8. Community Integrated Care, Widnes WA8, failed to pay £19,774.78 to 69 workers.
  9. Mr Anthony Y Lloyd & Mrs Peta S Lloyd trading as Fallowfield Country House Hotel, Abingdon OX13, failed to pay £19,436.88 to 6 workers.

If you’re unsure what rates of pay you need to be paying your employees then make sure you look at our other payroll blogs online.

Last Updated on 1 year by Gary Parsons



Author: Gary Parsons
Gary is CEO at Talk Staff, passionate about the role that people play in helping build long-term and sustainable businesses. He sits on local business advisory boards and has been key in leading the growth of Talk Staff from inception in 2009.