DIY chain B&Q is among more than 650 employers named and shamed by the government for failing to pay workers the National Minimum Wage. B&Q underpaid 4,530 workers a total of more than £456,000, according to the Department for Business and Trade.
The retailer claimed the shortfalls were “unintentional”, adding: “They relate to calculations involving geographical allowances which are paid in addition to minimum hourly rates. All affected colleagues were quickly paid in full in July 2025.”
Five Guys and other employers named
Burger chain Five Guys was also named as owing over £54,000 to 3,699 staff. It said “technical differences in how payroll regulations were applied” led to its underpayments. “We worked closely and transparently with HMRC throughout the process and have made all required payments to affected current and former employees,” the company said.
The two companies are among 658 employers which have now repaid around £4million to more than 27,000 workers. Ministers said they were determined to stop employers short changing their staff, announcing that penalties totalling £7million have been issued to employers found not to be paying the legal minimum wage.
Government response and penalties
The Government said it was committed to publish naming lists more regularly so that employers are swiftly held to account and make improvements as soon as possible.
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: “The best businesses know that looking after your workers isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s the smart thing to do, building the stronger, more successful businesses that drive growth in every postcode. Most employers already understand this, and I want to work with them to ensure they have every piece of guidance and support available to help them follow the rules. Short-changing your staff isn’t a shortcut to success and we are determined to stamp it out.”
Union reaction and next steps
Kate Dearden, minister for the future of work, said: “Underpaying your staff is illegal, and we will not let workers foot the bill for their boss failing to follow the rules. We’re making sure workers get the hard-earned pay they deserve, and where employers fall short, they will be held to account. Every employer should check their payroll now and reach out to Acas if they need further support.”
TUC general secretary Paul Nowak said: “Bosses who fail to pay the minimum wage deserve to be named and shamed. There is no excuse for workers being cheated out of the minimum wage. It’s bad for workers, families and the economy. Every pound taken from a worker’s pocket is a pound that could have been spent in local shops, cafes and high streets. That’s why the Government’s new Fair Work Agency is so important. It is a chance to come down hard on rogue employers who refuse to do right by their staff.”
