The Department for Business and Trade’s October 2025 roundup names almost 500 employers fined for underpaying staff, with household names including Centrica, EG Group and Holland & Barrett appearing on the list; unions say the scale underlines the need for stronger enforcement and worker representation.
The DBT’s publication lists 491 employers fined for failing to pay the national minimum wage, with fines totalling around £10.2 million and roughly £6 million repaid to workers; about 42,000 workers were reimbursed as part of the enforcement round.
Household names and the figures behind them
EG Group (Euro Garages) tops the list by numbers affected, having underpaid 3,317 workers by approximately £824,000 during an earlier payroll period, a figure the company says has been rectified.
Centrica, owner of British Gas, was disclosed as having underpaid 1,583 workers by around £167,814.69.
Holland & Barrett is recorded as having underpaid 2,551 workers by about £153,079; the retailer has described the issue as historical and says arrears were settled in earlier years. Other large groups named include Genting Casinos, which appeared in local reporting with arrears totalling in the hundreds of thousands.
Pat Harrington of Solidarity union said: “This year’s list is a reminder that underpayment is not confined to the smallest employers; major firms with professional payroll teams still fail their staff. Naming them is necessary, but it must be paired with rigorous follow-up and accessible routes for workers to secure redress. Firms that underpay should be required to publish corrective action plans and face stronger sanctions if systemic failures are found.”
Ministers say the naming scheme protects compliant businesses and gives workers clarity on where enforcement has succeeded; campaigners argue the public list should be accompanied by a requirement for named employers to publish detailed remediation steps and timelines to rebuild trust. The government also signals expanded enforcement powers under the new Fair Work Agency planned as part of the wider employment reforms.
The DBT’s publication provides the full register of employers and the sums involved; workers who suspect they have been underpaid are advised to check the government guidance on next steps.
Rachel Reeves’s recent budget, though positioned as a shift rom conservative austerity, has serious implications for working people. It falls short in key areas, sidestepping progressive taxation on the wealthy and big corporations. While the budget includes some increases in NHS and education funding, the reality is that Reeves’s measures continue to burden working-class families while letting the wealthiest escape largely untouched.
Impact on Wages and Workload
The budget’s increase in employer National Insurance contributions, theoretically aimed at raising funds, is likely to reduce real wages. Paul Johnson of the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) warns that up to three-quarters of this increase may be passed on through lower wages and higher prices, effectively becoming a hidden tax on working people. The Resolution Foundation has also raised concerns that real pay is not expected to grow significantly, meaning wages could remain stuck at 2008 levels until 2029. For many in the workforce, especially those in lower-wage jobs, this translates to a continued squeeze on living standards.
NHS workers, who are already overstretched, were warned by Keir Starmer that they should expect increased workloads. This statement highlights a persistent issue: despite additional funding, the demands on healthcare workers are set to grow without a commensurate increase in resources or support. For unions representing NHS staff, this is an urgent call to advocate for not just funding but also meaningful workforce protections against burnout.
Housing and Cost of Living Pressures
Paul Johnson also cautioned that changes to property taxes would likely drive up rents, disproportionately affecting renters who already face high housing costs. Furthermore, the continued freeze on fuel duties contrasts starkly with public transport fare increases. At a time when other European nations are making public transport more affordable to meet climate goals, Reeves’s approach forces additional costs onto working-class commuters.
Inadequate adjustments to minimum wage levels only exacerbate these pressures. The announced increase still falls short of the Living Wage Foundation’s recommendations, and many unions are demanding a minimum of £15 per hour as a fair wage in the face of rising rent, energy, and food prices. Solidarity and other unions will need to continue pressing for wage increases that genuinely meet the cost of living.
Neglect of Wealth Tax and Corporate Taxation
The budget remains notably lenient on high-income earners and corporations. While Reeves raised capital gains tax slightly, she also reassured investors that it remains the lowest in the European G7. The super-rich continue to pay a lower rate on capital gains than working-class people pay on income—a disparity that could have been addressed by aligning capital gains rates with income tax rates. This approach might have raised £16 billion annually, but Labour has opted for a modest £2.5 billion increase instead.
Unite’s Sharon Graham points out that a mere 1% wealth tax on the richest could yield £25 billion, addressing budget shortfalls without cutting vital social programs. Yet Reeves’s budget does not touch this potential source of funding, favoring a model that keeps the wealthiest shielded from meaningful taxation. For Solidarity members, this is a call to demand fair contributions from the richest to support public services and social welfare.
The budget introduced some positive small measures for working people: National Living Wage: The National Living Wage will rise by 6.7% to £12.21. For those aged 18 to 20 it will go from £8.60 to £10 an hour, a rise of more than 16% and the largest increase on record. It’s still not enough. Carer’s Allowance: There will be an increase in the weekly earnings limit to the equivalent of 16 hours at the National Living Wage, meaning a carer can now earn over £10,000 a year while earning carers’ allowance.
Austerity’s Persistence and Union Action
Despite some marginal increases in spending, Labour’s budget holds on to several Tory-era austerity policies, notably in social welfare. Cuts of £3 billion targeting disability benefits and other welfare reforms continue under the guise of “public service reform.” FBU leader Matt Wrack has rightly criticized Labour’s low corporate tax rate, calling it a symptom of a broken economic model that prioritizes profits over people’s needs.
While Labour promises to repeal the Trade Union Act 2016, removing barriers to strike action, the budget reflects a deep-seated reluctance to break with austerity and challenge the interests of the wealthiest. If Solidarity and other unions want a fairer distribution of wealth, this budget makes it clear that pressure and collective bargaining will be essential. It’s time to push for a budget that prioritizes the wellbeing of working people over corporate profits.
This analysis underscores the necessity of a strong, pro-worker response. Together, let’s continue to demand that the burden of economic adjustment falls on those who can afford it—not on workers.
Welcome to Union News This week: Government Benefit Overhaul Sparks Criticism from Campaigners, WASPI Women Await Compensation: Prime Minister Faces Tough Questions, Teachers ‘Morally Blackmailed’ into Excessive Workloads, Union Warns, High Court Greenlights Challenge to Government’s Anti-Strike Laws, Firefighters Urged to Refrain from Assisting Police in Removing Pro-Palestine Protesters, BrewDog Founder James Watt Steps Down as CEO Amid Controversy, and finally, BrewDog Founder James Watt Steps Down as CEO Amid Controversy. Reporting is by Pat Harrington and music is from Tim Bragg.
Government Benefit Overhaul Sparks Criticism from Campaigners
Campaigners are voicing sharp criticism against the government’s recent benefit overhaul, arguing that it pushes single mothers and others on razor-thin margins deeper into financial instability.
Under the new rules implemented today, universal credit claimants earning less than £892 will be required to search for additional or higher-paying work. Failure to meet these expectations could result in the loss of benefits altogether.
The threshold has notably increased from £617 for individuals and £988 for couples. Now, individuals are expected to earn at least £1,437, a significant jump.
This means that individuals working less than 18 hours a week on minimum wage will now have to actively seek more employment opportunities. Additionally, those working less than half of a full-time week will face more frequent meetings with their work coach to boost earnings or risk penalties.
The Department for Work and Pensions estimates that around 180,000 people will be affected by these changes.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak defended the reforms, stating that “welfare should always be a safety net and not a lifestyle choice.” He believes the changes will help more people on universal credit transition into well-paid jobs and achieve financial independence.
However, Michael Clarke, head of information programmes at anti-poverty charity Turn2us, disagrees. Clarke argues that the threshold rises severely challenge those juggling jobs with irregular or fluctuating incomes and balancing responsibilities like childcare.
“For single mothers and others on razor-thin margins, these adjustments risk tipping them into crisis, exacerbating financial insecurity and mental stress as they struggle to meet the new demands,” Clarke stated.
He emphasized the importance of a support system that truly aids those in need rather than penalizing them.
These reforms come in the wake of other welfare changes announced by Mr. Sunak last month, including a review into Personal Independent Payment (PIP), a non means-tested benefit aiding individuals with extra costs due to long-term disability or ill health.
Sunak pledged to reduce the number of those with mental health conditions claiming PIP and introduce a more “rigorous” approach, sparking criticism from campaigners who accuse him of launching a “full-on assault” on disabled people.
WASPI Women Await Compensation: Prime Minister Faces Tough Questions
During this week’s Prime Minister’s Questions session, SNP MP Chris Law directed a pointed query to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak regarding the much-anticipated compensation for WASPI (Women Against State Pension Inequality) women. Law pressed, “Can the Prime Minister finally set out when the WASPI women will receive the compensation they rightly deserve?”
The discussion referenced a motion passed by the Scottish Government advocating for “compensation in full” for the 3.8 million affected women. Responding to the inquiry, Sunak acknowledged the gravity of the issue, stating, “I understand the strong feelings across the Chamber on this topic, and the desire for urgency in addressing them.” He emphasized the need to meticulously review the comprehensive findings of the ombudsman’s five-year investigation before providing an update to the House.
The awaited report from the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO), released in March, recommended payments ranging from £1,000 to £2,950, urging Parliament to take decisive action on the matter. Echoing sentiments from various MPs, who have advocated for larger payouts, the Prime Minister highlighted the government’s commitment to ensuring pensioners’ dignity and security in retirement, citing recent increases to the state pension.
Members of the PHSO, appearing before a parliamentary committee, suggested that some WASPI women might merit payments exceeding the recommended levels outlined in the report. Interim PHSO ombudsman Rebecca Hilsenrath acknowledged the possibility of direct financial loss for certain individuals beyond those included in the sample cases studied.
WASPI chair Angle Madden reiterated the urgency of the matter, underscoring the financial hardships faced by many women as a result of delayed pensions. Madden emphasized the significant impact on those who had sacrificed full-time employment to care for loved ones, asserting the tangible financial consequences of such decisions.
As pressure mounts and expectations heighten, the quest for equitable compensation for WASPI women remains at the forefront of political discourse, underscoring the need for swift and substantive action to address this longstanding injustice.
Teachers ‘Morally Blackmailed’ into Excessive Workloads, Union Warns
Amid mounting concerns over the working conditions of teachers in Scotland, the Scottish Secondary Teachers Association (SSTA) has sounded the alarm, accusing educators of being “morally blackmailed” into accepting unsustainable levels of unpaid work.
Addressing delegates at the SSTA’s annual conference, union president Stuart Hunter highlighted the pervasive culture of excessive workloads, attributing it to a sense of obligation driven by the belief that additional tasks are necessary “for the sake of the kids.” Hunter lamented the toll this phenomenon takes on teachers’ mental health and called for an end to the cycle of emotional manipulation.
In the backdrop of Glasgow’s decision to slash 450 teaching positions over the next three years, Hunter criticized the lack of support for educators, noting the absence of vital roles such as social workers and educational psychologists. He denounced budget cuts as a political tactic, accusing authorities of prioritizing austerity measures over the well-being of teachers and students.
Meanwhile, the National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers (NASUWT), hosting its own conference, highlighted the escalating crisis of violence and abuse faced by teachers in schools. NASUWT’s Scotland official, Mike Corbett, emphasized the urgent need for measures to address the effects of this alarming trend, citing recent incidents of weapon attacks on school premises.
Teachers’ safety concerns have been met with calls for immediate action from the Scottish government. While acknowledging the need for enhanced well-being support for school staff, officials stated that over £2 million has been allocated since October 2020 to address these issues.
As teachers and unions continue to raise the alarm on unsustainable workloads and safety risks in schools, pressure mounts on authorities to prioritize the welfare of educators and students alike in Scotland’s education system.
High Court Greenlights Challenge to Government’s Anti-Strike Laws
In a significant legal development, the High Court has granted permission for a judicial review of the government’s controversial Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act 2023, a move hailed as a victory for workers’ rights.
Civil Service union PCS will spearhead the challenge against the legislation, which grants employers in specific sectors unprecedented powers to enforce minimum service levels during strike actions, effectively compelling workers to undermine their own protests or risk dismissal.
Both PCS and the Trades Union Congress (TUC) welcomed the court’s decision, viewing it as a crucial step in combating what they perceive as an assault on trade union freedoms.
PCS General Secretary Fran Heathcote condemned the government’s attempt to curtail workers’ right to strike, highlighting the effectiveness of previous strike actions undertaken by PCS members in securing concessions. Heathcote vowed to resist any erosion of workers’ rights and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to challenge the legislation through legal avenues.
TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak echoed these sentiments, characterizing the Strikes Act as a regressive measure that undermines the fundamental right to strike. He criticized the government’s persistence in pushing through these reforms despite warnings about their potential unlawfulness and detrimental impact on industrial relations.
This legal setback for the government comes on the heels of private rail operators’ refusal to enforce minimum service regulations on striking train drivers represented by the union Aslef. The defiance of these regulations underscores the deep-seated resistance among workers to what they perceive as unjust constraints on their ability to collectively bargain and protest.
As the legal challenge gains momentum, workers and unions remain steadfast in their commitment to safeguarding the right to strike and challenging legislative measures that impede their ability to advocate for fair wages and working conditions.
Firefighters Urged to Refrain from Assisting Police in Removing Pro-Palestine Protesters
In a show of solidarity with the pro-Palestine movement, the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has issued a directive to its 32,000 members, urging them not to aid police in evicting protesters engaging in rooftop occupations of British factories manufacturing weapons for Israel.
The call to action comes in response to an incident in Leicester where firefighters from the Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service were summoned by police to address an occupation staged by supporters of the direct action group Palestine Action at the Israeli-owned Elbit Tactical Systems factory.
During the operation, firefighters were observed using an aerial appliance to remove a protester from the occupied building, sparking controversy over their involvement in what some perceive as a law enforcement activity.
In a message to firefighters following the incident, FBU General Secretary Matt Wrack underscored the primary role of firefighters in saving lives and protecting communities, emphasizing that there is no justification for their involvement in the removal of protesters. Wrack reiterated the union’s stance in supporting the rights of protesters and advocating for peace and justice in Gaza.
The FBU’s directive advises members to refrain from participating in law enforcement activities alongside the police, particularly in situations involving the removal of protesters. This stance aligns with previous instances where firefighters have declined police requests for assistance during rooftop occupations of arms factories targeted by campaigners.
John Nicholson of Greater Manchester Friends of Palestine recalled an occasion when firefighters, upon being informed of the FBU’s policy on Palestine, opted not to assist police in removing protesters during an occupation at an Elbit UK factory in Oldham.
As tensions escalate in the region, pro-Palestine protests are expected to continue across Britain this weekend, highlighting ongoing international concerns over Israel’s military actions in Gaza and the plight of Palestinians seeking refuge amidst the conflict.
and finally, BrewDog Founder James Watt Steps Down as CEO Amid Controversy
James Watt, co-founder of the Scottish brewery and pub group BrewDog, has announced his decision to transition to the newly-created role of “captain and co-founder,” retaining his shares in the company. This move will see Chief Operating Officer James Arrow assume the position of CEO, marking a significant shift in leadership for the company.
Established in Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire, in 2007 by Watt and Martin Dickie, BrewDog has grown to encompass breweries and pubs worldwide, while maintaining its headquarters in Ellon, Aberdeenshire. Reflecting on his tenure as CEO, Watt expressed gratitude for the journey of the past 17 years, acknowledging the highs and lows experienced during his time at the helm.
However, Watt’s leadership has been marred by controversy in recent years, with BrewDog facing criticism over its marketing campaigns and workplace culture. Former employees publicly accused the company of fostering a “culture of fear” and “toxic attitudes” towards junior staff in an open letter in 2021. Furthermore, BrewDog drew ire earlier this year for its decision to abandon its commitment to the real living wage in favour of the minimum wage for new hires.
The announcement of Watt’s departure has been met with celebration by members of Unite, the union representing workers across BrewDog. Bryan Simpson, lead organiser for the hospitality sector at Unite, criticized Watt for presiding over a culture of bullying and mistreatment within the company. Simpson emphasized the need for BrewDog to address the concerns raised by workers and urged the company to prioritize improving pay and conditions in collaboration with the union.
As BrewDog undergoes this transition in leadership, it faces the challenge of rebuilding trust and addressing longstanding issues to foster a more positive and inclusive workplace environment for its employees.
Welcome to Union News, your guide to what’s happening in the UK trade union and Labour movement. Reporting is by Pat Harrington and music is by Tim Bragg. In this edition: Salaried Workers Face Minimum Wage Cheating: Unions Sound the Alarm, Teachers Rally for Fair Pay and Improved Conditions at NASUWT Conference, and GMB Secures Day One Sick Pay for 19,000 Care Workers.
Salaried Workers Face Minimum Wage Cheating: Unions Sound the Alarm
Unions are cautioning that office workers and other salaried staff may be vulnerable to being short-changed on the minimum wage.
Prior to the implementation of the new minimum wage rate on Monday, the TUC highlighted that salaried employees receive a fixed annual payment irrespective of fluctuations in their working hours.
According to the TUC, online job postings still advertise salaried positions below the upcoming minimum wage, potentially resulting in illegal underpayment for salaried workers if their salaries remain stagnant.
The TUC further warned that desk-based office workers often face expectations of unpaid overtime as part of their job responsibilities.
Paul Nowak, TUC’s general secretary, emphasized, “Employers have a legal obligation to pay their workers at least the minimum wage. However, many workers are being deprived of their rightful pay by unscrupulous employers who opt to pay unlawfully low wages. This issue affects workers across various professions, including desk-based office roles, where the expectation of unpaid overtime is common.”
Highlighting the disparity between the official adult minimum wage rate of £11.44 per hour and the voluntary “real” living wage of £12, and £13.15 in London, Katherine Chapman, director of the Living Wage Foundation, stated, “While the increase in the statutory national living wage is positive news for millions of low-paid workers, it still falls short of adequately addressing the true cost of living. Over 14,000 employers have pledged to pay the real living wage, recognizing its benefits not only for workers and their families but also for businesses in terms of improved staff retention and productivity.”
Responding to these concerns, a government spokesperson reiterated that paying the minimum wage is a legal requirement for all workers, including those in office roles. The spokesperson urged any employees who suspect they are not receiving their correct wages to either address the matter with their employer or seek assistance from Acas confidentially. Furthermore, the spokesperson highlighted the significant increase in the national living wage for workers aged 21 and above, emphasizing the positive impact this will have on their annual earnings.
Teachers Rally for Fair Pay and Improved Conditions at NASUWT Conference
At NASUWT’s annual conference, teachers unite behind a push for pay restoration and better working conditions. According to the union, classroom teachers have seen their starting salaries plummet by 21% in real terms between 2010 and 2023, adjusting for RPI inflation.
Addressing the assembly, senior vice-president Wayne Broom emphasized the urgency of tackling the crisis in teaching recruitment, retention, and morale. He pledged the union’s commitment to lobby all political parties ahead of the general election to secure a new deal for teachers, including real terms pay restoration nationwide.
The proposed deal also seeks to enhance measures protecting teachers from violence, assault, or harassment, establish a national framework for statutory contractual conditions of service, enforce a maximum 35-hour working time limit, and ensure equal rights for supply and substitute teachers.
and finally, GMB Secures Day One Sick Pay for 19,000 Care Workers
In a landmark victory for the care sector, the GMB union has secured day one sick pay for 19,000 care workers. This significant win comes as HC-One, the UK’s largest care provider, agrees to a pay deal granting carers the contractual right to receive at least Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) from the first day of any absence.
Previously, carers faced a three-day waiting period before receiving sick pay, creating a concerning incentive for workers to continue working while unwell and potentially spreading illnesses among the vulnerable individuals they care for.
The breakthrough agreement follows a GMB survey revealing that one in four HC-One care workers were contemplating leaving their jobs due to inadequate pay.
Natalie Grayson, GMB National Officer, expressed outrage at the previous lack of sick pay provisions, stating, “For any worker to suffer financial hardship due to illness is unacceptable. However, in the care sector, this issue is particularly alarming and poses a significant risk to the well-being of those under their care.”
She continued, “Day one sick pay is a fundamental right that care sector workers deserve. This victory signifies a pivotal moment in the culture of the entire care industry. But our fight doesn’t end here. GMB will continue to advocate until these dedicated professionals receive a fair wage of at least £15 per hour.”
The agreement marks a crucial step forward in ensuring the welfare of care workers and underscores the ongoing efforts to address longstanding issues within the sector.
Nine companies in Northern Ireland have been publicly criticized by the government for violating the minimum wage law. These companies owe a total of £55,200 to 534 workers following investigations by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs since 2017.
The companies in Northern Ireland that failed to pay their employees the correct wages are:
Victor Foster Poultry Services in Markethill, owing £33,045 to 284 workers.
Avondale Foods in Craigavon, failing to pay £9,007 to 149 workers.
Hatch Brothers, trading as Genesis Crafty (now under new ownership) in Magherafelt, owing £4,439 to 7 workers.
Reahs Restaurant, trading as The Portmor in Blackwatertown, failing to pay £3,292 to 8 workers.
O’Connor’s Bar and Restaurant in Dromore, Omagh, owing £2,413 to 1 worker.
WGAB Limited, trading as Excel Clothing in Newtownards, failing to pay £2,369 to 18 workers.
Curran Court Hotel in Larne, owing £2,003 to 63 workers.
727 Your Store in Craigavon, failing to pay £580 to 1 worker.
Edenmore Golf & Country Club in Magheralin, owing £506 to 11 workers.
In total, 202 employers across the UK have been ordered to repay workers and face penalties of nearly £7 million. These breaches have left 63,000 workers out of pocket.
The worst offender, according to HMRC, is high street retailer WH Smith, which failed to pay around £1 million to 17,607 workers. The company attributed this failure to an error related to its company uniform policy. Other prominent retailers, including Marks & Spencer and Argos, are also on the list.
Pat Harrington, General Secretary of the Solidarity union, emphasizes the importance of paying the legal minimum wage and condemns the anti-social and wrong nature of not doing so. Harrington states, “Paying the legal minimum wage is non-negotiable, and all businesses, whatever their size, should know better than to short-change hard-working staff.”
The employers named on the list were found to have underpaid workers through various means, such as deducting pay from workers’ wages (39% of employers), failing to pay workers correctly for their working time (39% of employers), and paying incorrect apprenticeship rates (21% of employers).
Bryan Sanderson, chair of the Low Pay Commission, further emphasised the significance of the minimum wage as a guarantee to ensure all workers receive a decent minimum standard of pay. Sanderson asserts that when employers break the law, they not only harm their staff but also undermine fair competition between businesses. Sanderson believes that regular naming rounds serve as a crucial tool in raising awareness of underpayment and safeguarding the rights of minimum wage workers.
The government has made it clear that anyone entitled to receive the minimum wage should be paid accordingly, and it is determined to take robust enforcement action against employers who fail to comply. Since 2015, the budget for minimum wage enforcement has doubled, and the government has ordered employers to repay over £100 million to 1 million workers.
