Shamed for not paying full wage

Six companies in Kent have been “named and shamed” by the government for failing to pay workers the full minimum wage.

The firms owed a total of £6,900.48 to workers and include two hairdressers, a plumber, a joinery, an IT company and a wine bar. It comes as the government unveils details of 360 businesses nationally which underpaid staff a total of £995,233. As well as recovering arrears for some of the UK’s lowest paid workers, HMRC issued penalties worth around £800,000.

Ashford plumbers Harvey & Bacon, was rapped for underpaying two staff a total of £1,622.14. Other offenders in Kent included Digi-Cat Media in Ashford which failed to pay £249.99 to a worker.

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. We are sending the message that wage abuses will not go unpunished.”

From April 1, the minumum paid to staff, now known as the national living wage, rises from £7.20 to £7.50 for people aged 25 and over. One of Kent’s most senior councillors has raised concerns that reforms to business rates will take large businesses away from the county.

Changes to the way rates are calculated, which come into effect in April, could leave Kent in the same position it faced when Pfizer announced plans to close its site in Sandwich in 2011, according to Cllr Mark Dance.

The reforms – based on more recent property prices – will mean rates increase in more than 800 towns and villages across the UK, with some firms facing increases of 42%. A small shop in Rochester High Street will see the tax increase by £455 but it will also lead to decreases in other areas, with an equivalent firm in Margate paying £93 less.

Cllr Dance, who is cabinet member for economic development at Kent County Council,

Mark Dance, cabinet member for economic development at Kent County Council