Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps his Department plans to take to enforce the minimum wage rules for all garment factory workers (a) in Leicester and (b) throughout the UK.

The Government is determined that everyone who is entitled to the National Minimum Wage (NMW) receives it.

HMRC enforce the National Minimum Wage (NMW) and National Living Wage (NLW) in line with the law and policy set out by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).

All businesses, irrespective of size or business sector, are responsible for paying the correct minimum wage to their staff.

HMRC continue to take action against employers who ignore the law, ensuring that workers receive the wages they are entitled to.

HMRC take seriously and review all complaints from workers referred by the Acas helpline, or received via the online complaints form, and investigate as appropriate. If anyone thinks they are not receiving at least the minimum wage, they can contact Acas, in confidence, on 0300 123 1100 or submit a query online using the link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pay-and-work-rights-complaints .

As part of continuing operational activity in Leicester and throughout the UK, over the past two years HMRC have completed over 50 investigations into textile traders, uncovering over £125,000 in wage arrears for more than 280 workers and issuing over £240,000 in penalties.