Calderdale businesses on list of firms that didn't pay all staff the minimum wage

A number of Yorkshire firms are also being told to make back payments to affected staff after investigators identified a total of £1.7m in underpayments to 16,000 workers – more than in any previous year.

The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy named 260 employers who it said had failed in some instances to pay National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates. They face fines totalling £1.3m.

The Calderdale-based Trans­line Group, which advertises “consistent management of temporary workforces”, was the second-biggest offender on the Government list for underpaying 1,421 workers by £310,000.

Energy Controls Limited in Calderdale HX5, failed to pay £2,136.86 to one worker.

Business Minister Margot James said there was “no excuse” for not paying staff the wages to which they were entitled.

“The Government will come down hard on businesses that break the rules,” she said.

“To ensure there are consequences for their wallets as well as their reputation, we’ve levied millions in back pay and fines.”

Primark was criticised for failing to pay £231,000 to 9,735 workers, and Sports Direct for owing £167,000 to 383 workers.

Sports Direct faced criticism from unions and investors last month over a proposed payout to the brother of Mike Ashley, its founder and majority shareholder.

The company told the Stock Exchange it wanted to pay John Ashley £11m because he had been underpaid for previous work.

Bryan Sanderson, chairman of the Low Pay Commission, added: “The risk of being named is encouraging businesses to focus on compliance.

“It is imperative that the Government keeps up the pressure on all employers who commit breaches of minimum wage law.”