Companies in Swindon and Wiltshire are among a list of 260 employers to have been named and shamed by the Government for failing to pay workers the national minimum wage.
A total of £1.7 million in back pay was identified for 16,000 workers, with retail, hairdressing and hospitality businesses the biggest offenders.
The Best Connection group, who have a recruitment agency in Swindon, failed to pay the most of any of the companies named – almost £470,000 to a total of 2,558 workers although none of these affected are believed to have worked for the local branch.
Other names of note on the list include Sports Direct, Primark and Bristol Rovers Football club.
Business minister Margot James said: “There is no excuse for not paying staff the wages they’re entitled to and the Government will come down hard on businesses that break the rules.
“That’s why today we are naming hundreds of employers who have been short changing their workers; and to ensure there are consequences for their wallets as well as their reputation, we’ve levied millions in back pay and fines.”
The local companies amongst the 260 employers named today are:
Euro Hand Car Wash Limited, Swindon SN3, failed to pay £255.6 to 1 worker.
Athena (SW) Limited trading as Athena, Wiltshire SN15, failed to pay £251.69 to 1 worker.
The Manor House Hotel (Castle Combe) Limited trading as The Manor House Hotel & Golf Club, Wiltshire SN14, failed to pay £4,613.85 to 9 workers.
Martin Bros. Removals Limited, Wiltshire BA12, failed to pay £7,251.55 to 3 workers.
