Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many complaints were referred to HMRC from (a) ACAS, (b) Citizens Advice and (c) individuals relating to workers being unpaid or paid less than the National Minimum Wage for internship roles in each year since 2015; how many of those complaints were investigated by HMRC; and how many of those complaints resulted in a prosecution against an employer.

Everyone who is entitled to the National Minimum Wage (NMW) should receive it. All businesses, irrespective of size or business sector, are responsible for paying the correct minimum wage to their staff.

HMRC investigate all complaints from workers; and if anyone thinks they are not receiving at least the minimum wage they can contact Acas, in confidence, on 0300 123 1100 or via the online complaints form using the link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pay-and-work-rights-complaints .

HMRC also promote NMW compliance by engaging workers and employers to raise awareness of their rights and obligations. For internships, HMRC routinely contact employers who advertise these roles, signposting them to NMW guidance to help ensure they are compliant at the outset.

Since 2015-16, HMRC has received 152 National Minimum Wage complaints from workers undertaking internships.

*Other Direct complaints are all those which have come through a route other than ACAS, i.e. the online complaints form, email or letter

**Data is not held to allow the complaint channel to be identified for 2015/16, and all have been recorded as ACAS.

Prosecution applies to the most serious non-compliance, and since 2007 HMRC investigations have led to 15 successful prosecutions of employers for NMW related offences. There have been no prosecutions relating to internship cases.