Scottish building firms named and shamed for not paying minimum wage

Glasgow-based YESSS Home Improvements Ltd and roofing contractor John Elliot and Sons in Beith were listed for failing to pay £140.70 and £736.31 to one worker of their respective workers.

The companies, among 360 penalised in the last year across Scotland for underpaying workers, range from St Mirren FC to hairdressers.

The biggest offender in Scotland was Crossroads Caring Scotland, which failed to pay £17,685.38 to 40 workers in Clackmannan. The charity provides support for carers and their families.

A total of 125 Scottish workers were repaid money from the 16 firms.

Business minister Margot James said: “Every worker in the UK is entitled to at least the national minimum or living wage and this government will ensure they get it.

“That is why we have named and shamed more than 350 employers who failed to pay the legal minimum, sending the clear message to employers that minimum wage abuses will not go unpunished.”

UK Government minister for Scotland Lord Dunlop said: “There are simply no excuses for employers who fail to play by the rules and pay employees what they are entitled to.

“We are committed to building an economy that works for everyone, and will ensure that everybody receives the national living wage.”

Excuses given to HMRC for failing to pay the national minimum wage included using tips to top up salaries, docking workers’ wages to pay for their Christmas party and making staff pay for their own uniforms out of their own wages.

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