The National Living and Minimum Wage rate changed for millions in 2025
07:51, 17 Oct 2025Updated 07:56, 17 Oct 2025
The National Living and Minimum Wage rate changed for millions in 2025 (Image: PA)
Almost 500 employers who failed to pay the minimum wage have been named today October 17. Around 42,000 workers have been repaid by their employers, including well-known high street brands, with employers receiving fines totalling £10.2 million for breaking the rules.
£6 million has been put back into the pockets of working people as Government delivers the biggest overhaul of workers’ rights in a generation, as part of its Plan for Change. Enforcement of workers’ rights is set to be increased through new Fair Work Agency which will shield workers from employers who break the law.
Business Secretary Peter Kyle said: “Every worker deserves a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work, and this government will not tolerate rogue employers who short-change their staff.
“I know that no employer wants to end up on one of these lists. But our Plan to Make Work Pay cracks down on those not playing by the rules.
“This ensures a level playing field where all businesses pay what they owe whilst workers receive the boost to their living standards they deserve.”
This action comes as the Government introduces the biggest upgrade to workers’ rights and enforcement for a generation through its Plan to Make Work Pay. The plan is set to benefit half of UK workers.
Further information on Gov.uk says that from April 2026 the Employment Rights Bill will also establish a new Fair Work Agency with more powers to tackle employers underpaying workers and failing to pay holiday and sick pay.
If workers suspect they are being underpaid, they can visit gov.uk/checkyourpay to find out more about what they can do. The minimum wage law applies to all parts of the UK.
The National Living and Minimum Wage rate for those 21 and over in 2024 was £11.44 and in 2025 is £12.21. People aged 18 to 20, it is £8.60 and £10. Anyone aged under 18 it was £6.40 and is now £7.55, for those doing an apprentice the 2024 rate was £6.40 and is now £7.55.
Merseyside companies fined:
- Makeupstore Ltd, Liverpool, L19, failed to pay £2,227.11 to 1 worker
- Mr William Knox, Liverpool, L13, failed to pay £758.16 to 7 workers
- Ah Choi Limited, Liverpool, L1, failed to pay £616.28 to 3 workers
- Holly’s Mini Mart Ltd, Liverpool, L6, failed to pay £541.86 to 4 workers
- Small Steps Day Nursery (Wirral) Ltd, Wirral, CH48, failed to pay £4,360.64 to 33 workers
- Steelforce Security Uk Ltd, Birkenhead, CH41, failed to pay £7,379.91 to 12 workers
- The Contact Company Ltd, Birkenhead, CH41, failed to pay £2,809.04 to 111 workers
- Universal Rides Limited, Southport, PR8, failed to pay £3,422.69 to 133 workers
The full list of companies across the UK that have received fines can be found here.