Government names Leeds company not paying minimum wage

A Leeds firm has been named and shamed by the Government after failing to pay its workers the National Minimum Wage.

Around £4 million in wages has been repaid to more than 27,000 workers by 658 employers, it was revealed today (September 3), following “robust” enforcement action.

Among the companies named by the Government was Leeds’ based Lanes Group Limited. It has repaid £67,893 to 297 workers.

A spokesman for the company told the Yorkshire Evening Post: “Lanes Group takes its responsibilities as an employer seriously. Following an HMRC review, an issue was identified with deductions from final pay for certain agreed costs relating to a number of employees who had left the business between April 2019 and March 2023.

“The issue did not relate to employees’ underlying rates of pay but arose in some cases where these agreed deductions, alongside final pay adjustments such as accrued holiday, resulted in pay falling below the National Minimum Wage threshold for that particular pay period.

“Lanes Group worked fully with HMRC and repaid all affected former employees. HMRC has confirmed the matter is now concluded."

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: “The best businesses know that looking after your workers isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s the smart thing to do, building the stronger, more successful businesses that drive growth in every postcode.

“Most employers already understand this, and I want to work with them to ensure they have every piece of guidance and support available to help them follow the rules.

“Short-changing your staff isn’t a shortcut to success and we are determined to stamp it out.”

Minister for the future of work Kate Dearden said: “Underpaying your staff is illegal, and we will not let workers foot the bill for their boss failing to follow the rules.

“We’re making sure workers get the hard-earned pay they deserve, and where employers fall short, they will be held to account.

“Every employer should check their payroll now and reach out to Acas if they need further support.”

Among the firms named by the Government was DIY giant B&Q, which was reported to have failed to pay £456,934 to 4,530 workers.

A spokesman for the company said: “The shortfalls in payments were unintentional. They relate to calculations involving geographical allowances which are paid in addition to minimum hourly rates.

“All affected colleagues were quickly paid in full in July 2025.”

Other firms named by the Government included:

• Lanes Group Limited, Leeds (£67,893 to 297 workers
• Elysium Healthcare Holdings Limited, reported to have failed to pay £330,048 to 1,095 workers
• St George’s, Epsom and St Helier Hospital Group, Epsom, (£123,331 to 75 workers)
• Support Staff Services Limited, Slough (£119,715 to 323 workers)
• Forest Holidays Ltd (£100,308 to 598 workers)
• St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (£77,498 to 55 workers)
• UK Care Team Ltd, Leicester (£67,082 to 99 workers)

TUC general secretary Paul Nowak said: “Bosses who fail to pay the minimum wage deserve to be named and shamed.

“There is no excuse for workers being cheated out of the minimum wage. It’s bad for workers, families and the economy.

“Every pound taken from a worker’s pocket is a pound that could have been spent in local shops, cafes and high streets.

“That’s why the Government’s new Fair Work Agency is so important. It is a chance to come down hard on rogue employers who refuse to do right by their staff.”