Dozens of hard-working people in Reading who have been denied nearly thousands in pay by their employers have been directly repaid.
The repayments follow government enforcement action against employers in Reading found to have breached national minimum wage laws.
Fourteen workers at Reading-based Omnia Outsourcing Limited were collectively underpaid £8,250.95, while one worker at Laureus Developments Limited, also based in Reading, was owed £1,292.08.
MORE: The cheapest places to get petrol and diesel in Reading today
Kate Dearden, employment rights minister, said: "That’s why we’re cracking down on employers who underpay.
"We’re making sure workers get the hard-earned pay they deserve.
"I encourage every employer to check their payroll to ensure they don’t get caught out."
The Government’s latest public naming of companies comes as part of a crackdown to ensure employees receive at least the legal minimum wage, regardless of their employer’s size or profile.
Across the UK, 389 employers have been issued with a combined total of around £12.6 million in fines, in addition to repaying wages owed.
Offending businesses span multiple sectors, including social care, retail and sports.
This marks the first naming round since the Chancellor’s announcement that these updates will be published more frequently, in an effort to encourage employers to regularly review and maintain compliance.
MORE: Land Rover stolen five years ago recovered by police in Reading
It is also the last such round before the launch of the new Fair Work Agency, due to come into effect on April 7.
The agency, established through the Employment Rights Act, will serve as a centralised enforcement body, offering employers guidance and ensuring workers are paid correctly.
The Fair Work Agency will also address issues beyond minimum wage violations, including cases where employees are denied holiday or sick pay.
The crackdown comes ahead of a planned rise in the national minimum wage, which will see the lowest earners over 21 years old receive an annual pay boost of £900 for those working full time.
Other Government measures intended to alleviate cost of living pressures include extending Statutory Sick Pay to cover three million more workers, freezing the 5p fuel duty cut, and capping energy prices so that households save £117 on their bills next month.
Workers who believe they are being underpaid can find out more about their rights and what actions to take by visiting gov.uk/checkyourpay.
The recent enforcement action in Reading highlights ongoing issues with wage compliance and reinforces the Government’s message that all employers, regardless of size, are responsible for upholding employment law.
The expanded enforcement measures and future activities of the Fair Work Agency are intended to further protect workers and ensure that they receive their full legal entitlements, including other forms of pay such as holiday and sick leave.
Share