Skip to main content
Employers Fined
Employment

Employers Fined

The HMRC has announced that 389 employers have been penalised for underpaying workers. These employers failed to pay the minimum wage to tens of thousands of workers. The penalties are part of the UK government's efforts to enforce minimum wage laws.

Key takeaway

Hundreds of UK employers have been penalised for underpaying their workers, highlighting the importance of knowing your rights as a worker.

  • 389 employers have been named and penalised
  • Tens of thousands of workers were underpaid
  • Employers must now pay back the underpaid wages

What happened

The HMRC has announced that hundreds of employers across the UK have been penalised for underpaying their workers. This is a result of the employers failing to pay the minimum wage to tens of thousands of workers. The penalties are part of the UK government's efforts to enforce minimum wage laws and ensure that workers are paid fairly for their work. The announcement was made on 19 March 2026.

What this means for you

As a student or young adult in the UK, this announcement may affect you if you are currently working or planning to work part-time. You have the right to be paid the minimum wage, and your employer must adhere to this law. If you suspect that you are being underpaid, you can report this to the HMRC. Additionally, this announcement highlights the importance of knowing your rights as a worker and being aware of the minimum wage laws in the UK. You can check the current minimum wage rates on the UK government's website to ensure you are being paid fairly.

Source

HMRC

Read original article (opens in new tab)

This article is based on reporting from HMRC. Ratio Report provides context and analysis for UK students and young adults.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Do If I Think I Am Being Underpaid? +
If you think you are being underpaid, you can report this to the HMRC.
How Much Is The Minimum Wage In The UK? +
You can check the current minimum wage rates on the UK government's website.
What Happens To Employers Who Underpay Their Workers? +
Employers who underpay their workers can face penalties and be required to pay back the underpaid wages.
minimum wage uk employment hmrc

Was this helpful?