Companies exposed for underpaying workers

workers, HMRC issued penalties worth around £800,000.

Hairdressing, hospitality and the retail sectors were identified as the worst offenders.

Daniel Jordan London, a hairdresser in Sevenoaks which appears to have closed in 2014, was the worst offender in Kent, having failed to pay £2,471.58.

Ashford plumbing business Harvey & Bacon underpaid two staff a total of £1,622.14. Other offenders were: Beadles Joinery, Chatham – £1,248.34

Ralph Spence, trading as Ralphs Hairdressing, West Malling – £1,124.18

Digi-Cat Media, Ashford – £249.99

JF Merchants, trading as Bin Ella Wine and Champagne Bar, Faversham – £184.25

Business Minister Margot James said: “Every worker in the UK is entitled to at least the national minimum or living wage and this government will ensure they get it.

“That is why we have named and shamed more than 350 employers who failed to pay the legal minimum, sending the clear message to employers that minimum wage abuses will not go unpunished.

“Excuses for underpaying workers included using tips to top up pay, docking workers’ wages to pay for their Christmas party and making staff pay for their own uniforms out of their salary.”

From April 1, the minimum paid to staff, now known as the national living wage, rises from £7.20 to £7.50 for people aged 25 and over.

It increases to £7.05 an hour for 21 to 24 year olds, £5.60 for 18 to 20 year olds, £4.05 for 16 to 17 year olds and £3.50 for apprentices.

Since the naming and shaming scheme was introduced in October 2013, more than 1,000 employers have been named, with arrears totalling more than £4.5m.

More than £2m in fines have been issued and there are currently more than 1,500 open cases which HMRC is investigating.