HMRC targets 200 employers as BIS supports interns’ pay rights
11 November 2013
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is to write to 200 employers to alert them to a “series of targeted checks” that they are paying interns legally.
Mon, 11 Nov 2013HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is to write to 200 employers to alert them to a “series of targeted checks” that they are paying interns legally.
HMRC, which enforces the national minimum wage (NMW) on behalf of the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills (BIS), will send out the letters today (11 November) to firms that have recently advertised intern opportunities and unpaid work.
Already this year, HMRC has issued penalties to 466 employers breaking the law by not paying NMW.
The news comes as employment relations minister Jo Swinson unveils guidance later today produced by BIS in collaboration with Channel 4’s 4Talent scheme for young people looking for a career in the creative industries. The new scheme will explain individuals’ rights, and where they can refer any action they think is exploitative.
HMRC’s assistant director of NMW, Michelle Wyer, says: “Any employer not playing by the NMW rules needs to put things right now. Those that don’t can expect a visit from HMRC – which could result in a penalty, payment of arrears, being publicly named and shamed by BIS, or a prosecution.”
HMRC, which enforces the national minimum wage (NMW) on behalf of the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills (BIS), will send out the letters today (11 November) to firms that have recently advertised intern opportunities and unpaid work.
Already this year, HMRC has issued penalties to 466 employers breaking the law by not paying NMW.
The news comes as employment relations minister Jo Swinson unveils guidance later today produced by BIS in collaboration with Channel 4’s 4Talent scheme for young people looking for a career in the creative industries. The new scheme will explain individuals’ rights, and where they can refer any action they think is exploitative.
HMRC’s assistant director of NMW, Michelle Wyer, says: “Any employer not playing by the NMW rules needs to put things right now. Those that don’t can expect a visit from HMRC – which could result in a penalty, payment of arrears, being publicly named and shamed by BIS, or a prosecution.”
- Click for more on the announcement of a reshuffle involving BIS and HMRC as part of “more targeted” enforcement for the recruitment sector, announced by Swinson last week.
