Government to name and shame businesses breaching minimum wage rules
According to a Treasury source, the changes are said to be 'sending a message' to businesses
The Government will regularly name and shame employers who breach national minimum wage rules as part of reforms expected in the highly anticipated upcoming budget.
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The changes are expected to provide further protection to vulnerable workers and ensure businesses have no place to hide, according to a Treasury source.
The reforms are also aimed at clearing a backlog of cases.
According to a Treasury source, the changes are said to be 'sending a message' to businesses.
“This Government is cracking down on unscrupulous employers to protect the country’s lowest-paid workers and ensure fair pay for hard work.
“We are sending a clear message – those who short change their staff will not be allowed to hide.”
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According to Treasury figures, 500 employers failed to pay the minimum wage in October, affecting 42,000 workers.
As a result, they were hit with fines totalling £10.2 million, alongside having to reimburse their employees.
Alongside the new minimum wage rules, Wednesday’s Budget is expected to see the announcement of an £18 million scheme to revamp playgrounds in England. Sources estimate around 200 play areas would benefit from the money.
The funding would come as part of the Government’s Pride in Place programme, which aims to provide £5 billion for communities to regenerate public spaces.
“This funding will breathe new life into play areas across England, creating safe, exciting spaces for thousands of children," said a Treasury source.
“It will enrich and empower communities – giving every child a place to play and grow, wherever they live.”
Among other measures expected to be announced in the Budget, Border Force and HM Revenue & Customs will receive new powers to seize illegal vapes on the spot and issue £10,000 fines.
New criminal offences could land business owners who break the rules with prison time.
From October 2026, all vapes will need to have a digital duty stamp with a QR code which customers and law enforcement can scan to check for fakes.
Shops will have a six-month grace period to sell any unstamped stock.
A Downing Street source said: “Britain’s high streets are being flooded with illegal vapes by rogue traders.
“The Chancellor will crack down hard – giving Border Force and HMRC the power to seize dodgy vapes on the spot and hit offenders with £10,000 fines.
“We’re protecting shoppers and backing honest businesses.”