Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many investigations were commenced by HM Revenue and Customs National Minimum Wage compliance teams in each of the last five years; and how many such investigations resulted in a Notice of Underpayment being issued.

The Government takes the enforcement of the National Minimum Wage (NMW) very seriously and 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.

HMRC record data based on investigations completed. I refer the honourable member to the answer provided on 6 May 2014 at Hansard Column 110W which provides details of investigations completed and incidences of non-compliance.

HMRC do not hold data on Employment Tribunals and action taken through civil courts in a format that would enable provision of the statistics requested.

I refer the honourable member to the answer provided at UIN 205613 for details of penalties issued and their value.