The Department for Business has named and shamed more than 230 employers who have paid staff under the minimum wage, including five independent convenience, newsagents and forecourt stores.

The stores named were North Cowton Service Station – Richmondshire (£8,229.11  owed to three workers), Nomi Enterprises – North Ayrshire (£2.047.16 owed to two workers), Raja Brothers – Oldham (£1,1037.01 owed to two workers), Sussex Service Station – Birmingham (£803.78 owed to one worker) and Quality Save – Swinton (£391.10 owed to one worker).

Retail Express contacted each store and discovered Sussex Service Station to now be under new ownership. A statement from Quality Save director Paul Rudkin said: “Quality Save take a serious view of their legal obligations in regards to wages and regret there was a problem with a small number of employees when passing from one age group to another. The system has been changed and this won’t happen again.”

Independent food retailers account for 1.5% of those listed as paying under minimum wage, despite sector only accounting for 1% of UK jobs, meaning a worse than average performance for the sector.

Business Minister Margot James described the release of employers stating: “Today’s naming round identifies a record £2 million of back pay for workers and sends the clear message to employers that the government will come down hard on those who break the law.”

HMRC director Melissa Tatton said: “HMRC is committed to getting money back into the pockets of underpaid workers, and continues to crack down on employers who ignore the law.” She warns those not currently paying the minimum or living wage: “Can expect to face the consequences.”

Minimum wage law remains a hot topic in parliament, with both Labour and the Conservatives pledging further increases.

Do it: Be sure to keep an eye of staff age rises to ensure they are in the correct wage bracket.