The UK government has publicly identified over 650 businesses that failed to pay the National Minimum Wage, imposing fines totaling £7 million. These penalties were issued after investigations found that these companies had not met the legal requirement for minimum pay. As part of the resolution, around £4 million in unpaid wages has been reimbursed to more than 27,000 workers. The government has announced plans to publish these lists more frequently to increase transparency and encourage businesses to comply with wage laws. Among the companies named was B&Q, which was found to have underpaid £456,934 to 4,530 workers. The company explained that the shortfall was unintentional and stemmed from errors in calculating additional geographical allowances, which are extra payments given to workers in certain areas. The affected employees were fully compensated by July 2025, according to a company spokesperson. Other notable firms included Elysium Healthcare Holdings Limited, which failed to pay £330,048 to 1,095 workers. St George’s, Epsom and St Helier Hospital Group was reported to have underpaid £123,331 to 75 workers, while Support Staff Services Limited in Slough failed to pay £119,715 to 323 workers. Forest Holidays Ltd underpaid £100,308 to 598 workers, and St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust failed to pay £77,498 to 55 workers. Lanes Group Limited in Leeds and UK Care Team Ltd in Leicester were also named for underpaying their staff. St George’s, Epsom and St Helier Hospital Group explained that the issue stemmed from a technical compliance problem involving "salary sacrifice" components, such as contributions to childcare, which were not counted toward the minimum wage even though employees’ gross pay exceeded the legal minimum. The hospital group has since adjusted its payroll processes to ensure compliance. Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds emphasized that fair treatment of workers is both a moral and business imperative, helping to build stronger and more successful companies. He highlighted the government’s efforts to provide guidance and support to employers to ensure they meet legal requirements. Minister for the future of work, Kate Dearden, reiterated that underpaying staff is illegal and warned that workers should not suffer financial losses due to employer mistakes. She encouraged businesses to review their payroll systems and seek assistance from Acas, an organization that provides guidance on workplace relations. Paul Nowak, general secretary of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), supported the government’s approach, stating that companies failing to pay the minimum wage should be held accountable. He praised the establishment of the new Fair Work Agency, which aims to tackle non-compliant employers and protect workers’ rights.