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<p>The Government takes the enforcement of the National Minimum Wage (NMW) very seriously.
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) review every complaint that is referred to them by the
Pay and Work Rights Helpline. In addition, HMRC undertake targeted enforcement on
employers across the United Kingdom who are more likely to be not paying NMW.</p><p>
</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>The Government 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.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>HMRC do not keep data
on Notices of Underpayments in a format to enable provision of the statistics requested.</p><p>
</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>Of the 25 firms named by Department of Business, Innovation
and Skills (BIS) on 8 June 2014, 10 investigations commenced in October 2013; 10 in
November 2013 and 5 in December 2013.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>Of the 5 firms
named by BIS on 28 February 2014, 4 investigations commenced in October 2013 and 1
during November 2013. The Notices of Underpayment for these 5 cases were all issued
in December 2013.</p><p> </p>
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