Construction company near Middlewich named and shamed for not paying minimum wage

KAB Construction and Development Ltd, in Clay Lane south of Moston, was found to owe £2,815.51 to 1 worker.

The figure is the fourth highest of 27 north west employers, and ranked 31st out of 198 across the country – the largest list since the scheme began in 2013.

In a list published on the Government’s website, HMRC noted: “KAB Development & Construction Ltd, Sandbach, Cheshire, owed £2,815.51 to 1 worker.”

Arrears of nearly £30,000 were found to be owed to workers in the region, including more than £500 to one employee of Blackpool Football Club.

Following the release of the list on Thursday, the Trades Union Congress (TUC) has called for HMRC to be granted more resources to clamp down on minimum wage-dodgers.

Lynn Collins, TUC north west regional secretary, said: “It is shocking that so many employers across the region have failed to pay workers the basic minimum.

“Getting workers the money they are owed is important but simply naming and shaming the employers isn’t deterring others from doing it. There needs to be penalties for any bad boss who thinks about short changing their employees.

“HMRC staff deserve credit for winning back millions of pounds for cheated employees but they need greater resources to catch those who cheat their staff.”

Business Minister Margot James added: “This government is determined to build an economy that works for everyone, not just the privileged few.

“That means making sure everyone gets paid the wages they are owed. So we’ll continue to crack down on those who ignore the law, including by naming and shaming them.”

The national living wage for adults over 25 is £7.20 per hour, while the minimum wage for 21-year-olds is £6.70.

KAB Construction and Development declined to comment, claiming that they had been informed they would not be named on a list.

However, HMRC clarified that a director of the company had been told twice, in person, of the circumstances.