Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many HMRC minimum wage investigations were (a) opened and (b) closed in relation to an employer in the textiles sector in each of the last five years; how many of those closed investigations resulted in the identification of minimum wage arrears; what the total sum of arrears identified was in those closed cases; and how many workers in total were found to be owed arrears.

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 Acas helpline on 03000 123 1100. HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) review all complaints that are referred to them.

In relation to the textile sector for the period 2012/13 to 2016/17, HMRC:

• Opened a total of 84 cases and closed 72 NMW investigations.
• Identified 19 cases with NMW arrears.
• Identified a total sum of £44,371 NMW arrears for 83 workers.