Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many home care providers were investigated by HM Revenue and Customs in each of the last four years; and what proportion of those providers was found not to be paying the national minimum wage.

The Government takes the enforcement of the National Minimum Wage (NMW) very seriously. HMRC review every complaint that is referred to them by the Pay and Work Rights Helpline. In addition, by collating and analysing data received from various sources, HMRC ensure targeted enforcement to identify employers across the United Kingdom who are more likely to be not paying NMW.

The Government has increased the financial penalty percentage from 50% to 100% of the unpaid wages owed to workers, and the maximum penalty from £5,000 to £20,000. These new limits are now in force where arrears are identified in pay reference periods on or after 7 March 2014. The Government will also bring in primary legislation as soon as possible so that the maximum £20,000 penalty can apply to each underpaid worker.

The following table shows the number of employers in the home care sector over the past four years where HMRC have commenced and completed investigations. It also shows the percentage of instances where employers were found to be non-complaint with NMW legislation as a result of these investigations.