Workers to receive wage boost as government cracks down on underpayment
THOUSANDS of workers in Wales are set to benefit from a financial uplift as the UK Government delivers what it calls the most significant upgrade to workers' rights in a generation.
The Department for Business and Trade has confirmed that 21 employers in Wales have been named and shamed for failing to pay the National Minimum Wage. These employers are among 518 businesses across the UK who have been ordered to repay over £7.4 million to nearly 60,000 underpaid workers. Investigations by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) into these breaches took place between 2015 and 2022.
All of the businesses named have since repaid the wages owed and faced financial penalties of up to 200% of the underpayment.
This action forms part of the UK Government's wider Plan for Change, which includes a major uplift in the National Living Wage (NLW) and National Minimum Wage (NMW). The April 2025 increase has given full-time workers on the NLW a £1,400 annual pay rise, benefitting around 150,000 workers in Wales alone.
Minister for Employment Rights, Justin Madders MP, said: '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 end low pay.'
The Government says these measures reflect its ongoing commitment to building a stronger economy by ensuring financial security for workers and taking firm action against non-compliant employers.
National Minimum and Living Wage Rates:
Category 2024 Rate 2025 Rate National Living Wage (21+) £11.44 £12.21 18 to 20 £8.60 £10.00 Under 18 £6.40 £7.55 Apprentice £6.40 £7.55
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