\n<\/p>\n
Any employer not paying the correct amount can be fined by HMRC.<\/p>\n
In June 2023, the previous Conservative <\/b>government said that more than 200 firms had been fined a total of nearly \u00a37m. <\/p>\n
They were told to reimburse 63,000 workers for failures over several years.<\/p>\n
The companies included Marks and Spencer, Argos and Lloyds Pharmacy. WH Smith was the worst offender, having failed to pay more than \u00a31m to more than 17,600 workers.<\/p>\n
Those who don’t qualify for the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage include the self-employed, company directors, volunteers, members of the armed forces and prisoners.<\/p>\n
People with disabilities or in long-term unemployment who take part in government work programmes are paid fixed amounts at different stages of the scheme. <\/p>\n
These are less than the equivalent National Minimum or Living rate. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n