Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many prosecutions took place in the West Midlands for failure to pay the minimum wage in 2017; and how many of those prosecutions led to convictions.

HMRC does not collate prosecution data in reference to government regions, constituencies or counties.

Since 2007, HMRC investigations have led to the successful prosecution of 14 UK employers for National Minimum and Living Wage (NMW) related offences.

HMRC always takes action to ensure workers receive what they are entitled to. Breaches of NMW legislation are normally a civil matter, and consequences for not complying with paying NMW can include fines of 200% of the arrears and public naming. Criminal prosecution may cause delays in recovering arrears for workers and does not necessarily guarantee payment, and is reserved for the most serious non-compliance. The most serious NMW breaches and cases that form part of wider criminality will be referred to the Crown Prosecution Service who decide whether to prosecute.

The Government is determined that everyone who is entitled to the NMW receives it. Anyone who feels they have been underpaid NMW should contact the Acas helpline on 0300 123 1100 or via the online complaints form at gov.uk. HMRC reviews all complaints that are referred to them.