UK Fair Work Agency names 658 employers for underpaying minimum wage

The UK’s Fair Work Agency has published the names of 658 employers that underpaid the National Minimum Wage, marking the first such publication under the new agency. The list was released on 3 September by the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade.

According to HR Grapevine, the named employers collectively repaid more than £4.2 million to around 27,600 workers and were hit with roughly £7 million in penalties. The Fair Work Agency took over enforcement of the minimum wage from HMRC in April 2026.

How the naming list works

The publication of employer names for minimum wage breaches is a long-standing practice, but this is the first list issued by the Fair Work Agency. HR Grapevine spoke with Nick Irvin, Director of Employment Tax at Ryan and a former HMRC policy official, about the mechanics and pitfalls of the process.

The list is designed to increase transparency and hold employers accountable for underpaying workers. Employers found to have underpaid must repay affected workers and face financial penalties, which in this round totaled about £7 million.

Scale of underpayment

The 658 employers named in the list underpaid a total of 27,600 workers. The repayments amounted to more than £4.2 million, indicating that many workers were owed relatively small sums individually but the collective impact was significant.

The penalties collected reached approximately £7 million, reflecting the seriousness with which the agency treats non-compliance. The figures highlight the ongoing challenge of ensuring all workers receive at least the statutory minimum wage.

What this means for HR and payroll teams

For HR and payroll professionals, the publication serves as a reminder of the importance of accurate wage calculations and compliance with minimum wage rules. Employers should regularly review pay practices to ensure all workers, including those on variable hours or with deductions, receive at least the legal minimum.

Rules vary by jurisdiction, and the UK’s approach may differ from other countries. HR teams should stay informed about local requirements and seek appropriate guidance to avoid underpayment errors that could lead to naming and penalties.

Enforcement under the new agency

The Fair Work Agency assumed responsibility for minimum wage enforcement from HMRC in April 2026. This transition marks a new phase in how the UK government oversees compliance and publicizes violations.

The first naming list under the agency indicates continuity in enforcement practices, with a significant number of employers identified and penalized. The agency’s role is expected to evolve as it builds on HMRC’s previous work.

Sources: HR Grapevine