Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many employers were fined for not paying their employees the national minimum wage in 2013-14.

The Government takes the enforcement of the National Minimum Wage (NMW) very seriously and has increased the financial penalty percentage from 50% to 100% of the unpaid wages owed to workers, and the maximum penalty from £5,000 to £20,000. These new limits are now in force where arrears are identified in pay reference periods on or after 7 March 2014. The Government will also bring in primary legislation as soon as possible so that the maximum £20,000 penalty can apply to each underpaid worker.

I refer the honourable member to the answer provided at UIN 205613 for details of penalties issued.