21 businesses in Wales named for failing to pay their employees minimum wage
21 businesses in Wales named for failing to pay their employees minimum wage
Thousands of workers across Wales are set to receive repayments after more than 500 employers in the UK were found to have breached minimum wage laws, according to the UK Government.
The move is part of the government’s wider efforts to “Make Work Pay” and boost financial security for working people.
The list, released by the Department of Business and Trade, includes Capita and Lidl, as well as 21 companies based in Wales.
The enforcement action forms part of a broader UK-wide investigation by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), which uncovered that 518 businesses had failed to pay almost £7.4 million in wages to nearly 60,000 workers.
Offending businesses have now repaid the money owed and faced penalties of up to 200% of the underpayments identified.
The findings come in the wake of the latest increase to both the National Living Wage (NLW) and National Minimum Wage (NMW), which the government says will put an average of £1,400 more per year into the pockets of full-time workers on the NLW.
The wage hike is one of several measures under the Employment Rights Bill, said to be the most significant overhaul of workers’ rights in a generation.
Stronger enforcement regime
As part of its Plan for Change, the government is doubling down on efforts to raise living standards and crack down on non-compliant employers. Officials argue that ensuring workers are paid correctly is key to building a resilient and equitable economy.
Justin Madders, Minister for Employment Rights, said the naming and penalisation of these businesses sends a clear message to employers across the UK.
“There is no excuse for employers to undercut their workers, and we will continue to name companies who break the law and don’t pay their employees what they are owed.
“Ensuring workers have the support they need and making sure they receive a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work is a key commitment in our Plan for Change. This will put more money in working people’s pockets, helping to boost productivity and ending low pay.”
Sector impact and business compliance
While the names of the Welsh businesses involved have not yet been disclosed, the crackdown underscores growing pressure on employers to meet legal wage obligations amid a changing regulatory and economic environment.
The government’s approach, combining stricter enforcement with legislative reform, aims to balance business growth with fairer labour practices—particularly as inflation and the cost-of-living crisis continue to impact households and employers alike.
Businesses are being urged to review their payroll and compliance procedures to avoid future penalties, with HMRC expected to maintain high levels of scrutiny in coming years.
The full list of names released by the government are:
- Artico Limited – Monmouthshire
- The Buck House Limited – Wrexham
- P.C. Panels Ltd – Vale of Glamorgan
- Lakeside Day Nursery Limited – Swansea
- Everest Hotels Limited – Powys
- B Services (Wales) Limited – Rhondda Cynon Taf
- Sage Hair Care (Salons) Limited – Cardiff
- Filco Supermarkets Limited – Vale of Glamorgan
- AFH Ltd – Cardiff
- S & S Care (UK) Limited – Flintshire
- Mr Andrew Roy Milward – Pembrokeshire
- M&C Jones Building Contractors Limited – Denbighshire
- MRB Cleaning Limited – Swansea
- Mini Me Private Day Nursery Limited – Newport
- Everbright Lodge Ltd – Denbighshire
- Barry Tyre Centre Limited – Vale of Glamorgan
- Mrs Karaimjit Gill – Vale of Glamorgan
- South Wales Building and Construction Limited – Caerphilly
- Soughton Shoot Limited – Flintshire
- Playworks Childcare Limited – Caerphilly
- Classic Decorators (UK) Limited – Vale of Glamorgan
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