Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what the level of fine was for each successful prosecution of an employer paying an employee less than the minimum wage in the last 12 months.

In 2017/18, HMRC levied 810 penalties, amounting to over £14 million, against employers who failed to pay workers the National Minimum and Living Wage (NMW). In the same period, there was one prosecution for obstructing an NMW investigation resulting in a fine of £2,977.

Breaches of NMW legislation are normally a civil matter, where the consequences for not complying with NMW rules can include fines of 200% of the arrears and public naming. Criminal prosecution is reserved for the most serious non-compliance.

The government is determined to ensure that everyone who is entitled to the NMW receives it. Anyone who feels they have not been paid the NMW should contact Acas helpline on 0300 123 1100 or via the online complaints form at gov.uk. HMRC reviews all complaints that are referred to them.