First employer ‘named and shamed’ for National Minimum Wage Breach

Leicester based hair and beauty salon owner, Mrs Rita Patel trading as Treena Professional Hair & Beauty, failed to pay £3,361.22 in arrears of the NMW to a former worker following an investigation by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), which has resulted in HMRC enforcing the debt through the County Court.

HMRC’s investigation showed that over a period of four-and-a-half months, Mrs Patel paid only £342.00 to a worker in her hair and beauty salon, whereas under the NMW the worker was legally entitled to a minimum of £3,703.22 for the hours worked during that period.

Martin Traynor, chief executive of Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce, commented: “The minimum wage is there by law and employers need to meet that. What it does is create a level playing field for businesses. Without it, it would be unfair for employees and for other businesses.”