The HM Revenue and Customs last week identified a record £15.6 million of underpayment of the minimum wage for more than 200,000 workers. The number was double that in 2016-17 and the highest number since the National Minimum Wage came into force in 1999.

The year also set a new record for penalties issued by the government, with £14 million in fines issued to employers. More than 600 employers who were found to have underpaid their workers the minimum wage were named in 2017-18. This is the largest number in any single year since the HMRC’s programme began in 2014.

Earlier this year, the Government named and shamed nearly 200 employers for failing to pay the minimum wage.

Business Minister Kelly Tolhurst, commented, “We are dedicated to stopping underpayment of the minimum wage. Employers must recognise their responsibilities and pay their workers the money they are entitled to.”

“The UK’s lowest paid workers have had the fastest wage growth in 20 years thanks to the National Living Wage and today’s figures serve as a reminder to all employers to check they are getting their workers’ pay right,” Tolhurst said.

In every case, the government instructs employers to repay their workers and enforces the return of the missing cash.

Over the past year, 56 employers took advantage of a HMRC pilot scheme where employers were encouraged to come forward outside of an investigation. This resulted in nearly £250,000 in debts being declared for just under 700 workers.

This year, the social care, retail, commercial warehousing and gig economy sectors have been prioritised by HMRC for enforcement of the minimum wage. This is alongside employment agencies, apprentices and migrant workers. These sectors are where non-compliance with National Minimum Wage is believed to be more widespread.

“HMRC is committed to ensuring that workers receive the wages they are legally entitled to, irrespective of their employer’s size or business sector, and today’s figures highlight our success over the last year,” Penny Ciniewicz, HMRC Director General of Customer Compliance, said.

Low Pay Commission Chairman Bryan Sanderson added: “All workers are entitled to be paid at least the minimum wage, so it is good to see increased focus on enforcement bearing fruit and securing more arrears for more workers. Awareness of the minimum wage is vital for workers and employers alike, and strong enforcement is critical to its success.”

Funding for minimum wage enforcement has reached record levels, rising to £26.3 million in 2018-19 from £20 million in 2016-17.