National Minimum Wage: Workers win 2m compensation

Workers whose bosses failed to pay the National Minimum Wage are to be refunded a record £2m, the government has revealed.

In its latest "name and shame" campaign, it lists 230 employers which have not complied with the law. In total 13,000 employees have received - or will receive - compensation for their loss of pay.

This time there were no equestrian businesses listed.

However with over 2000 further investigations currently happening by the HMRC and an awareness that our industry is not compliant, the BGA would not be surprised to learn of more yards being procecuted in the future. 

The government will be spending £25m on minimum wage enforecement next year. The current minimum wage rates are: National Living Wage (25 years and over) - £7.50 per hour adult rate of National Minimum Wage (21 to 24-year-olds) - £7.05 per hour.

Melissa Tatton, Director at HM Revenue and Customs said: “HMRC is committed to getting money back into the pockets of underpaid workers, and continues to crack down on employers who ignore the law. Those not paying workers the National Minimum or Living Wage can expect to face the consequences.”

The BGA urges equestrian employers to abide by the law of NMW and NLW, it is not a choice; employers can contact us for further advice and guidance. 

"Reporting an employer for non compliance has become so much easier for employees," explained BGA's Chief Executive, Lucy Katan. " It can now be done online with a simple form to complete. Grooms are becoming increasingly aware of their employment rights, and an employer that breaks the law is taking a gamble of getting found out."