Six Berks companies that failed to pay workers the minimum wage have been 'named and shamed' in a new government list.
The firms had underpaid their workers by over £642,000 combined.
Almost 500 employers across the UK who failed to pay the minimum wage were named in the list released on Friday, October 17.
Around 42,000 workers have been repaid by the wages they are entitled to, including at well-known high street brands, with businesses receiving fines totalling £10.2 million for breaking the rules.
Business Secretary Peter Kyle said: "Every worker deserves a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work, and this government will not tolerate rogue employers who short-change their staff.
"I know that no employer wants to end up on one of these lists. But our Plan to Make Work Pay cracks down on those not playing by the rules.
"This ensures a level playing field where all businesses pay what they owe whilst workers receive the boost to their living standards they deserve."
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The Berks employers included in the list were as follows:
- Avis Budget UK Limited, a car rental company in Bracknell, failed to pay £432,035.46 to 477 workers,
- Centrica PLC, Windsor, an electricity and gas company, failed to pay £167,814.69 to 356 workers,
- Children’s House Day Nursery Limited, Bracknell, failed to pay £31,955.95 to 20 workers,
- Hurley Riverside Park Limited, Maidenhead, failed to pay £8,090.03 to 4 workers,
- Appetite Warriors Ltd, Slough, a restaurant, food and take-away company that has now moved its registered address to Hounslow, failed to pay £1,748.05 to 1 worker,
- Birch Assist Limited, Slough, failed to pay £552.36 to 4 workers.
Government guidance states: "If workers suspect they are being underpaid, they can visit gov.uk/checkyourpay to find out more about what they can do.
"Workers visit the Acas website for free, impartial and confidential advice or complain to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)."
It added that minimum wage law applies to all parts of the UK and that employers should always carry out necessary checks to see that they are paying the minimum wage.
In 2025 the National Minimum and National Living Rates are:
- National Living Wage (21 and over) - £12.21
- 18 to 20 - £10
- Under 18 - £7.55
- Apprentice - £7.55
Niall Mackenzie, Acas Chief Executive, said: "Not only is it important for employers to pay the correct minimum wage rates, it is also the law.
"Failing to do so can result in grievances and potentially legal action, including costly employment tribunals, as well as being named and shamed.
"Acas has advice on how employers can ensure they calculate the correct rate to pay their workers and what employees should do if they think they are not being paid the correct amount."
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