High Street favourites flout low wage rules

HIGH street chains Wagamama and TGI Friday’s, and hotels giant Marriott, topped a list of firms named and shamed by the Government for failing to pay workers the national minimum wage.

The trio were among 179 employers that also include Premier League football club Stoke City, Birmingham City Football Club and rugby clubs St Helens and London Irish.

Wagamama failed to pay £133,212 to 2,630 workers, the most of any company named.

TGI Friday’s shortchanged 2,302 of £59,348 and Marriott failed to pay £71,723 to 279 workers, according to business department figures.

A total of £1.1m in back pay was identified for 9,200 workers and the Government fined employers a total of £1.3m.

Business minister Andrew Griffiths said: ‘Today’s naming serves as a sharp reminder to employers to get their house in order ahead of minimum wage rises on April 1.’

That’s the day of a rise from £7.50 to £7.83 an hour. Wagamama, TGI Friday’s and Marriott did not respond to requests for comment.

TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady said: ‘Employers who cheat their staff out of the minimum wage deserve to be named and shamed. And they will rightly face hefty financial penalties.’