Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many incidences of failure to pay the national minimum wage have been discovered by HMRC at hand car washes.

The Government is determined that everyone who is entitled to the National Minimum Wage (NMW) receives it. All businesses, irrespective of size or business sector, are responsible for paying the correct minimum wage to their staff.

HMRC continue to crack down on employers who ignore the law, ensuring workers receive the wages to which they are entitled.

HMRC recognise that hand car washes are a high-risk sector for NMW non-compliance. Since 2017 HMRC have undertaken proactive compliance activity targeted at car washes operating across the UK.

In 2017-18, HMRC closed 41 cases where NMW arrears were identified for workers employed at car washes, and a further 52 cases in 2018-19.

HMRC encourage any worker who suspects that they are being paid less than the NMW to contact ACAS on 0300 123 1100, or to submit a query online at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pay-and-work-rights-complaints.