Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many companies were prosecuted for failing to pay the minimum wage in 2017.

The government are determined that everyone who is entitled to the National Minimum and National Living Wage (NMW) receives it. Anyone who feels they have been underpaid NMW should contact the Acas helpline on 0300 123 1100. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) review all complaints that are referred to them.

There was one successful prosecution for NMW offences in 2017. Prosecution is reserved for the most serious non-compliance. It may cause delays in recovering arrears for workers and does not necessarily guarantee payment. HMRC therefore balances recovering NMW arrears for workers as quickly as possible with robust enforcement of NMW when deciding whether to pursue prosecution. There were four successful prosecutions for NMW offences in 2016.

Other consequences for not complying with paying NMW may include fines of 200% of the underpayment and public naming.