Latest news with #NationalMinimumWage
Pembrokeshire Herald
12 hours ago
- Business
- Pembrokeshire Herald
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
Pembrokeshire Herald
13 hours ago
- Business
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Overdue invoices in Wales reach 26-month high, warns insolvency trade body
THE NUMBER of overdue invoices owed by Welsh businesses has surged to a 26-month high, according to new data released by R3, the UK's insolvency and restructuring trade body. R3's analysis of Creditsafe figures reveals that Welsh firms had 156,775 overdue invoices on their books in April 2025 – the highest monthly total since February 2023, when the figure stood at 161,860. This marks a 19.2% increase compared to April 2024, when the total was 131,272. Overdue invoices have been rising steadily since November 2024, with April's figure up 1% from March's total of 155,279. Bethan Evans, Chair of R3 in Wales and a partner at Menzies LLP, said: 'Late payments have been a persistent issue in Wales, but the fact they've now reached the highest point in over two years underlines just how tough trading conditions have become. These levels are now exceeding those seen in 2023 and 2024, when many businesses were still recovering from the pandemic, facing soaring costs, and grappling with the wider cost-of-living crisis.' Evans noted that new financial pressures came into effect in April, including increases to the National Minimum Wage and Employers' National Insurance contributions. 'These additional costs are likely to exacerbate cash flow challenges, particularly for sectors already operating on thin margins – such as construction, hospitality, and retail,' she added. The number of Welsh companies with overdue invoices has also climbed. In April 2025, 18,879 businesses reported overdue payments – a 5.8% increase on the 17,849 recorded in April 2024. Evans warned that the ripple effects of late payments could be far-reaching: 'When more businesses struggle to pay their bills on time, it disrupts supply chains and increases the financial strain on others. April marked a critical point for many companies, and it's vital that directors can spot the early signs of financial distress. 'If you're seeing warning signs – such as rising late or missed payments, shrinking margins, or mounting pressure from creditors – it's time to seek advice. Acting early can offer a clearer path forward, more options, and a better chance of resolving financial difficulties.'
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Parents missing out on official scheme that could save £2,000
Many parents are missing out on a scheme that could save up to £2,000 a year for each child, a payroll specialist says. Robert King, director of nanny payroll services at Nannywage Ltd, is encouraging parents to make use of the lesser-known facility. And he said it could save them hundreds on childcare costs this summer, reports Lancs Live. Robert said: "The Tax-free Childcare Scheme allows working parents to save up to £2,000 per child annually on approved childcare costs, with the savings capped at £500 every three months, or £1,000 for children with disabilities. "Over the summer holidays, parents can benefit significantly, as the scheme provides a government top-up of £2 for every £8 deposited into the account. This is a great way to manage rising childcare costs while keeping flexibility to withdraw unused funds if plans change." According to the director, it does not take long at all to sort. Robert said: "Families can apply online for Tax-free Childcare through the government website in just 20 minutes. Once the account is set up, parents can deposit money immediately and use it to pay for nurseries, childminders, summer activity clubs, and other approved providers. Any unused money can be withdrawn at any time." There are criteria to take part. To qualify, each parent must earn at least 16 hours per week at the National Minimum Wage or Living Wage, but no more than £100,000 annually. The scheme is not available to those receiving Tax Credits, Universal Credit, or childcare vouchers. For self-employed individuals or directors, proof of income, such as accountant statements, invoices, or bank statements, may be required to confirm eligibility. The scheme supports children aged 11 or under, or up to 16 if they have disabilities. Eligibility ends on September 1 following the child's 11th or 16th birthday, depending on their circumstances. It comes as a recent study has shown that 61% of parents feel the strain to overspend during the summer holidays, with 51% worried they won't be able to afford a holiday this year. The average weekly cost of childcare has risen by 11.41% since 2023.
South Wales Argus
3 days ago
- Business
- South Wales Argus
National Minimum Wage breaches found at firms in Wales
The government announced that these businesses were part of a group of 518 across the UK that failed to pay their workers more than £7.4 million collectively, leaving nearly 60,000 workers out of pocket. The businesses, which included Mini Me Private Day Nursery in Newport, Barry Tyre Centre and SWBC in Caerphilly, have since repaid their staff and faced financial penalties of up to 200 per cent of their underpayment. Other businesses named and shamed include Shuko in Monmouthshire, Playworks Childcare in Caerphilly, P.B Services (Wales) Limited in Pontypridd, APC Panels, Holton Road Stores, Classic Decorators (UK), all in the Vale of Glamorgan, and Sage Hair Care and AFH Ltd, both in Cardiff. Further west, Andrew Milward Joinery in Pembrokeshire, MRB Cleaning Limited and Lakeside Day Nursery Limited, both in Swansea also join the list. Other Welsh businesses include M&C Jones Building Contractors Limited and The Wild Pheasant, both in Denbigshire, Buck House Hotel in Wrexham, Soughton Shoot Limited iS & S Care (UK) Limited, both in Flintshire, and Maner Hotel in Powys, The investigations by HMRC concluded between 2015 and 2022. The government said this was part of its latest move to "Make Work Pay" following a significant uplift to the National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage. This uplift is set to put £1,400 into the pockets of full-time workers on the National Living Wage. The National Living Wage for those aged 21 and over will rise from £11.44 to £12.21. Minister for Employment Rights, Justin Madders, 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 ending low pay."
Glasgow Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Will Glasgow's M8 viaduct repair work be complete next year?
Essential propping up work on the Woodside Viaduct east of Charing Cross has been ongoing since 2021. The motorway has been restricted with lane closures and on and off ramps closed to allow work to be carried out. READ NEXT:10 firms in the Glasgow area named for not paying National Minimum Wage Pauline McNeill, Glasgow Labour MSP said the completion date on the Transport Scotland website is 2006 but she told the Transport Secretary, Fiona Huyslop that the organisation wrote to her recently to say that cannot be confirmed. Hyslop said the work was necessary and complications involving he subway tunnel had caused delays. McNeill said: 'The M8 project in Glasgow was due for completion in late 2023. 'Since 2021, those using the M8 have had constant delays as part of their daily commute, which is impacting on the west of Scotland economy.' She added: 'Is the cabinet secretary at all concerned that Transport Scotland wrote to me on 21 May to say that it now cannot confirm that completion date but that the website still says that the work will be completed in early 2026? 'It is unacceptable that the public, who are putting up with these delays, are not getting up-to-date, accurate information.' READ NEXT:Glasgow's drug consumption room to come under scrutiny at Westminster next week Hyslop said: 'The M8 Woodside viaducts project is a complex one that involves constructing temporary propping in a constrained urban environment to enable repairs to the half-joints that support the motorway. 'Transport Scotland and its contractor, Amey, have been examining each and every activity that is required to complete the works to ensure completion as soon as possible. 'However, there have been delays to the piling work around the subway tunnel, which has to be carried out very carefully.' She added: 'What is unacceptable is to question the work that is required to ensure that the works are carried out safely. 'As of May 2025, props have been installed at 13 of a total of 23 locations and 10 locations have been fully jacked, meaning that the load from the bridge deck is being transferred away from the existing supports and on to the newly installed propping system.' Transport Scotland states: "A total of 23 supports are required to be propped. "Each support requires individual propping designs to take account of the varying column heights, span length and widths resulting in different loads to be supported by the props. "The propping foundations at some locations are affected by a number of buried services (such as gas and water mains) as well as Strathclyde Passenger Travel's (SPT) subway tunnels. "These services have a major impact on the propping solutions available." On completion dates it states: "Completion of the propping and jacking work - which will result in the removal of lane restrictions on the M8 - is expected to be completed in early 2026. "However, the Contractor, Amey PLC is working towards delivering the eastbound carriageway sooner, in Summer 2025. "They are also exploring opportunities to bring work forward where possible. "These dates are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances such as adverse weather or unexpected service diversions."
