Monsoon Accessorize named-and-shamed for failing to pay minimum wage
Monsoon Accessorize has been named-and-shamed for failing to pay the national minimum wage.
The women's fashion retailer topped a list of 115 companies released by the government that neglected to pay more than £389,000 to workers between them.
The largest firm on the list, Monsoon Accessorize failed to pay £104,508 to 1,438 workers. Wages at the retailer fell below the minimum threshold because of its policy to offer staff discounted items. The cost of which was then taken off their wages, taking them below the legal threshold.
The company said the issue had already been highlighted when its payroll system had been reviewed by tax authorities and it had taken 'prompt action' to correct it.
"I am particularly saddened to see Monsoon Accessorize acting in breach of the law," said Frances O'Grady, general secretary of trade union body TUC, who welcomed the government's name-and-shame list.
In October the national minimum wage was increased to £6.70 an hour for those aged 21 and over.
The national living wage will be £7.20 an hour from April for workers aged 25 and over, the minimum wage will function as normal for those under 25. The top five defaulters were:
- Monsoon Accessorize Ltd - £104,508 to 1,438 workers
- Tyne & Wear Riding for the Disabled Association - £27,152 to six workers
- Project Security UK Ltd - £23,857 to 18 workers
- Carl Keith Salons Ltd - £20,535 to five workers
- Cornwall Glass & Glazing Ltd - £14,254 to nine workers