Workers can call a hotline if their employers are failing to comply with minimum wage legislation.

Business Minister Jenny Willott said: “Paying less than the minimum wage is not only wrong, it’s illegal.

“If employers break the law they need to know that they will face tough consequences.

“Any worker who is entitled to the minimum wage should receive it.

“If anyone suspects they are not being paid the wage they are legally entitled to they should call the Pay and Work Rights helpline on 0800 917 2368.”

Among those named and shamed were:

• A2ZEE Construction Ltd, Cramlington, neglected to pay £3,375.51 to 14 workers
• Steven Stainton of Steven Stainton Joinery, Cumbria, neglected to pay £1,415.82 to a worker
• Richard Last of Classic Carpentry, Godalming, neglected to pay £1,236.72 to a worker
• Luigi’s Little Italy Ltd, Yorkshire, neglected to pay £281.04 to 5 workers
• HSS Hire Service Group Ltd, Manchester, neglected to pay £149.00 to 15 workers

HSS has demanded an apology from the Government for being included in the list.

CEO Chris Davies said: “We feel strongly that the action of “naming and shaming” for a genuine administrative error that was quickly and proactively notified and rectified is disproportionate and unfair.

“The facts are as follows:

• In October 2013, an error in upload to our computer system meant the pay of 15 colleagues was not updated with the changes to the minimum wage in that month by between 47p and £25 each – a total of £150.
• This was an administrative error that we immediately noticed and set about correcting; the underpayments were rectified within a month.
• We received an acknowledgement from HMRC confirming that they were satisfied with our response and were issued a Notice of Underpayment some three months after we first noticed the error and two months after it was corrected.

“Given these facts, it is ludicrous that HSS should have been listed alongside companies which have allegedly contravened employment law.

“We consider this to be deeply damaging to our hard won reputation as a meticulously fair, inclusive and strongly progressive employer and resent the accusation.”