A government-wide naming-and-shaming round has named numerous employers for underpaying staff the minimum wage, including B&Q and other firms across hospitality, retail, care, and NHS-related services, with specific underpayment totals and worker counts disclosed.

B&Q is cited for underpaying 4,530 workers a total of £456,934, with the company saying the shortfalls stem from geographical allowance calculations and that all affected staff were paid in full in July 2025.

Officials emphasize there is no excuse for underpay and vow to continue enforcing minimum wage rules to safeguard workers’ rights.

This rounds marks the first publication under the Fair Work Agency, launched in April 2026 to consolidate enforcement of workplace standards.

The move follows the 2026 April minimum wage increases, with 21+ at £12.71, 18-20 at £10.85, and under-18s/apprentices at £8, highlighting underpayments tied to wage-rate calculations.

Many listed cases relate to misinterpretations of allowances, non-tax-deductible salary sacrifices, or payroll rules that led to underpayment.

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds and Minister for the Future of Work Kate Dearden urge employers to pay workers properly, offer guidance, and seek Acas support to ensure compliance.

The government reports hundreds of employers named with about £4 million repaid to more than 27,000 workers and £7 million in penalties issued across the enforcement actions.

Officials stress that paying the legal minimum is essential for fair treatment and business success, and they urge payroll checks and consultation with Acas if needed.

In at least one case, an apprenticeship program was flagged for missteps, with the owner stating the underpayment was due to a misunderstanding of apprenticeship requirements and indicating they won’t take on apprentices again.

The list includes fifty Scottish firms, the first Scottish round since the Fair Work Agency began enforcement in 2026.

Officials reiterate a commitment to regular publishing of naming lists to drive accountability and rapid corrective action across sectors.