National minimum wage: Watch out for the penalties!

The Government has published the draft legislation which will increase the maximum financial penalty for employers who breach the national minimum wage (NMW) from £5,000 to £20,000. The regulations are expected to come into force in February 2014.

In addition, the Government wants to introduce legislation as soon as possible so that the maximum £20,000 penalty can apply in respect of each underpaid worker.