Firms hit back after being shamed for not paying staff

Today, the government has released a list of 360 businesses that underpaid thousands of workers a total of almost £1m.

On that list were the following businesses:

* Retro Hair and Beauty, Portchester, failed to pay £279.15 to one worker.

A co-worker, speaking on behalf of owner Ashton Pragnell, said: ‘The worker was an apprentice here and he was paid the correct wage, but we had a dispute over travel expenses.

‘We are absolutely gutted to be on this list. We are a hardworking salon.

‘It has made us wary about taking on more apprentices. We are like a family here and for to happen to us is terrible. He was paid last year. Other salons need to be warned.’

* BS Care Limited, Havant, failed to pay £242.22 to two workers.

Sharon Burlington, registered manager, said: ‘BS Care is fully aware of the national minimum wage requirement and we are committed to complying with all legislation relevant to our difficult industry .

‘As can be seen from the announcement, the impact was on two personnel out of 120 for a total of £242.

‘This was a misunderstanding which was rectified further to a full investigation of this matter.’

* PMC Repair Specialists Limited, Bognor Regis PO22, failed to pay £128.96 to one worker.

HR manager Donna Connor said: ‘This was due to a technical error with our payroll system that affected one person and which has since been remedied.

‘We are now fully compliant with the regulations.

‘It was very minimal infringement, it was borderline for being included on the list. We did try to appeal but were not successful.’

* Xingui Limited trading as Jasmine House, Chichester PO19, failed to pay £649.38 to one worker.

The News has tried to contact Jasmine House and left messages, however no response has been received.