Football clubs underpaid hundreds of employees
Two West Midlands football clubs have fallen foul of minimum wage legislation and are among a list of firms in the region to be named and shamed by the government.
Championship club Birmingham City failed to pay £5,653 to 534 workers and Premier League Stoke City underpaid seven workers a total of £1,102.
Elsewhere, Express Vision in Birmingham failed to pay £727.35 to one worker, and 3ccc, also registered in Birmingham, failed to pay £1,006.67 to two workers.
Individual outlets of national companies Wagamama, Marriott Hotels and TGI Fridays were also included in the government’s roundup.
Overall, the government has fined the 179 employers £1.3m and recovered backpay of £1.1m for 9,200 workers.
The government has published the list ahead of the National Living Wage increases from £7.50 to £7.83 per hour on April 1.
Business Minister Andrew Griffiths said: “There are no excuses for short-changing workers. This is an absolute red line for this government and employers who cross it will get caught – not only are they forced to pay back every penny but they are also fined up to 200% of wages owed.
“Today’s naming round serves as a sharp reminder to employers to get their house in order ahead of minimum wage rate rises on 1 April.”
All four West Midlands employers have been contacted for comment.
