The UK Government has published details of hundreds of companies found to have breached national minimum wage legislation, with employees collectively owed more than £7.3 million.

An investigation covering multiple industries identified 389 businesses in sectors such as retail, social care and hospitality that had failed to pay staff the legally required amount.

Those companies have been directed to reimburse the wages owed to their workers.

In addition to repayment obligations, the offending employers have been required to pay fines totalling £12.6 million.

The enforcement action forms part of a strengthened government effort to address wage theft.

Authorities have confirmed that affected workers received less than their legal entitlement, and that employers are now obligated to compensate them in full.

Business Secretary Peter Kyle commented that it was wrong for businesses to secure competitive advantages through non-compliance with employment law.

This publication marks the first occasion since ministers committed to regular disclosure of employers who breach minimum wage requirements.

The release coincides with preparations for the establishment of the Fair Work Agency, a new enforcement body intended to bolster worker protections.

Employment Rights Minister Kate Dearden stated that no worker should complete a week’s labour only to discover they have been underpaid for their efforts.

The announcement precedes an uplift to minimum wage rates scheduled for April 2026, which follows guidance from the Low Pay Commission.

The upcoming rates will see the National Living Wage set at £12.71 per hour for workers aged 21 and over.

Those aged between 18 and 20 will be entitled to £10.85 per hour, while individuals under 18 and apprentices will receive £8.00 per hour.

The increase means a worker on the National Living Wage employed full-time could see their annual earnings rise by approximately £977.