A three-day investigation concluding yesterday [30 May] saw HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) and Department for Business, Innovation and Skills officers visit 34 employment agencies in Corby.

A possible £100k is owed to 3,000 staff in the Northamptonshire town as a result of National Minimum Wage (NMW) violations, according to HMRC.

The collaboration between the two government bodies is part of a newly-launched multi-agency taskforce to tackle migrant labour abuse.

HMRC can issue penalties of up to £5k to businesses found to be paying their workers less than minimum pay – in addition to forcing the businesses to pay the balance to underpaid workers.

Michelle Wyer, assistant director of NMW for HMRC, says: “We will not hesitate to use our full enforcement powers to ensure that workers receive the money to which they are legally entitled. 

“Anyone with questions or concerns about the NMW should call the Pay and Work Rights Helpline on 0800 917 2368.”