M&S, WHSmith, and Argos are among the several hundred companies “named and shamed” for failing to pay staff a minimum wage.
After investigations carried out by HMRC between 2017 and 2019, the UK government has today published a list of just over 200 employers that were found to have failed to pay their lowest-paid workers the National Minimum Wage (NMW) – which equated to almost £5 million in what ministers have called “a clear breach of NMW law”.
Companies named by the government today range from major high street retailers – such as WHSmith, M&S, Lloyds Pharmacy, and Argos – to small businesses and sole traders.
Security company Showsec, pub group Brunning & Price, and world-renowned luxury fashion house Chanel are just some of the other employers named within the top 10 highest offending, while Dune, Arnold Clark Motors, Macdonald Hotels, and Oasis and Warehouse are some of the other recognisable names.
📣 NEWS: More than 200 employers were found to have failed to pay the minimum wage to their lowest paid workers.
These employers have now been ordered to repay workers and face penalties of nearly £7 million.
— Department for Business and Trade (@biztradegovuk) June 21, 2023
According to the government, 39% of employers named deducted pay from workers’ wages, while another 39% failed to pay workers correctly for their working time, and 21% paid the incorrect apprenticeship rate.
ADVERTISEMENT
The breach is said to have left around 63,000 workers nationwide out of pocket.
Business ministers say the publishing of the list today “sends a clear message” from the government that “no employer is exempt” from paying their workers the statutory minimum wage.
ADVERTISEMENT
WHSmith and Argos were two of the other big names on the list / Credit: WHSmith | Sainsbury’s
“Paying the legal minimum wage is non-negotiable,” Kevin Hollinrake, Minister for Enterprise, Markets and Small Business, said on the publishing of the list today.
“All businesses, whatever their size, should know better than to short-change hard-working staff.
“Most businesses do the right thing and look after their employees, but we’re sending a clear message to the minority who ignore the law – pay your staff properly or you’ll face the consequences.”
The businesses named in today’s list have since paid back what they owe to their staff, the government has confirmed.
They have also faced financial penalties.
Featured Image – M&S Manchester
News
Beloved play The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time set to return to the stage in Manchester
Emily Sergeant
One of the most beloved stage plays of the 21st Century is returning to Manchester.
Based on the celebrated 2003 novel of the same name that captivated readers worldwide, and inspired a groundbreaking National Theatre production, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is returning to one of Manchester‘s most iconic stages in early 2027 as part of a major UK tour.
The new play is adapted from Mark Haddon’s multi-million-selling novel by acclaimed Playwright Simon Stephens, and will be directed by Ned Bennett.
Taking over the Manchester Opera House stage in March 2027, critics have described the production as ‘inventive, gripping, and moving’.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time combines the intrigue of a whodunnit with a powerful coming-of-age story to create an ‘unforgettable’ theatrical event.
🌙 NEW SHOW ANNOUNCED 🌙
THE CENTURY’S MOST POPULAR MURDER MYSTERY
ATG+ Presale 👉 Tue 18 Nov 10am Sign up to today to get exclusive presale access: https://t.co/dhZYMmEsEH
If you’re not familiar with the plot, the play tells the story of Christopher Boone – a gifted child with a brilliant mind for numbers, but unsettled by the unpredictability of people and everyday life.
When a neighbour’s dog is killed, he finds himself under suspicion, but determined to prove his innocence, Christopher becomes both detective and suspect, drawn into a mystery that grows darker and more complex with every clue he uncovers.
What begins as the search for a culprit soon reveals secrets closer to home, ultimately forcing him to confront truths that will test his courage, his family, and his understanding of trust, independence, and the wider world.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is coming to Manchester / Credit: Supplied
“The journey of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time has been an extraordinary adventure,” commented Playwright Simon Stephens, as the new adaptation was announced this week.
“It has taken me all over the world. From church halls to enormous auditoria, and from school drama clubs to Wembley Way.
“I am thrilled that Christopher Boone is about to head out again through the United Kingdom. He is a boy defined by his determination and his bravery. This feels like a time when those characteristics are more urgently needed than ever.”
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is coming to Manchester Opera House as part of its UK tour from Tuesday 2 – Saturday 6 March 2027, and tickets go on general sale next Friday (21 November) at 10am.
Manchester set to host five UEFA EURO 2028 matches – including England’s opening game
Emily Sergeant
Manchester has been confirmed to be the host of five matches at the upcoming UEFA EURO tournament in 2028.
This also, crucially, would include England‘s opening match, should they qualify directly.
The joint announcement by Manchester City and Manchester City Council today comes as UEFA has now released key details about the UK & Ireland 2028 competition – which, as it stands, is less than 1,000 days away.
It has been confirmed that the Etihad Stadium – which is known as The City of Manchester Stadium when not relating to Manchester City football club – will host four Group Stage matches across four different groups, offering both local and international football fans the chance to see a range of different national teams in action.
On top of this, Manchester will also be the host a Round of 16 knockout match as the tournament progresses.
UEFA EURO 2028 will kick off at the National Stadium of Wales in Cardiff on Friday 9 June 2028, culminating in the Final at Wembley Stadium on Sunday 9 July 2028.
Across the UK and Ireland, nine stadiums will host matches during the upcoming tournament – with other northern stadiums including Everton Stadium in Liverpool, and St James’ Park over in Newcastle.
More than three million tickets – as sold by UEFA – are set to be available for the tournament, and more information on this will be issued in due course.
Following an independent assessment, UEFA EURO 2028 is expected to generate up to £3.6 billion in socio-economic benefits for the UK and Ireland between 2028 and 2031, with benefits including job creation, regional growth, and direct spending from international visitors.
The countdown has started in Manchester for #EURO2028!
Five matches are scheduled to be played here – including England's opener if they qualify – and more than 300,000 fans will be welcomed to the city in June 2028.
Emily Sergeant -
21st June 2023 
