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<p>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 is in the process of introducing primary legislation
so that the maximum £20,000 penalty will apply to each underpaid worker.</p><p> </p><p>
</p><p> </p><p>In response to the questions arising from the contribution of 13 January
2015 by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills,
Official Report, columns 218- 222WH, on the care sector:</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>Investigations
into the 94 cases have been underway since 29 December 2011 – largely stemming from
the particular period of enforcement referred to by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary
of State for Business.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>HMRC already accept third party
complaints and review all information received. All information received from third
parties is handled sensitively. HMRC are unable to give feedback to third parties
on any action taken or progress made, as all worker information is strictly confidential.</p><p>
</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>HMRC’s proactive work informing the ‘National Minimum Wage:
Compliance in the social care sector’ report, commenced in April 2011 and evaluated
enforcement in the social care sector over the period 1 April 2011 to 31 March 2013.
We are continuing to evaluate this work, and HMRC are undertaking new targeted enforcement
work in the care sector as set out by the BIS Minister on 15 January 2015.</p><p>
</p><p> </p><p> </p>
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