The
Inland Revenue uncovered more than £3.5m in unpaid wages last year – money that
employers didn’t pay by flouting the minimum wage law.
The
government department carried out 6,000 investigations last year – up more than
500 on 2001 – and has now tracked down almost £13m in unpaid earnings since the
minimum wage was introduced in 1999.
Employment
Minister Gerry Sutcliffe said: "There is no room for complacency when it
comes to enforcing the minimum wage, but these latest figures show that we are
winning the war against rogue employers."
Sign up to our weekly round-up of HR news and guidance
Receive the Personnel Today Direct e-newsletter every Wednesday
On
1 October, the minimum wage will rise to £4.50 an hour for adults, with the
lower, youth rate rising to £3.80.
