Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many social care employers have been prosecuted by HMRC for failing to keep sufficient minimum wage record in the most recent period for which figures are available.

The government is determined to ensuring that everyone who is entitled to the National Minimum and Living Wage (NMW) receives it. Anyone who feels they have been underpaid NMW should contact the Acas helpline on 0300 123 1100 or via the online complaints form at gov.uk. HMRC reviews all complaints that are referred to them.

Most NMW cases are subject to civil (non-criminal) sanctions, the consequences of which include fines of up to 200% of the determined underpayment, and public naming.

Prosecution is reserved for the most serious non-compliance, and since 2007 HMRC investigations have led to the successful prosecution of 14 UK employers for NMW related offences. These prosecutions have included one care sector provider, but not for the offence of failing to keep sufficient minimum wage records.