William Eichler 20 October 2025

Council called out for failing to pay minimum wage

Council called out for failing to pay minimum wage image
Payslip © Giruba_86 / Shutterstock.com.

Coventry City Council has been named among nearly 500 employers found to have underpaid staff the National Minimum Wage, according to a new list published by the Government.

The employers, who together face more than £10m in fines, were identified as part of the Government’s Plan to Make Work Pay initiative.

Coventry City Council is the only local authority featured, after reportedly failing to pay a total of £5,167 to five employees.

A council spokesperson said: ‘A small delay in updating apprentice pay rates led to an underpayment for five members of staff. This was corrected immediately and all arrears were paid.

‘We have since reviewed and improved our processes to ensure this does not happen again.’

Niall Mackenzie, chief executive of Acas, added: ‘Paying the correct minimum wage isn’t just the right thing to do — it’s the law. Failure to comply can lead to grievances, legal action, costly employment tribunals, and public naming and shaming.’

Half a century in the chamber image

Half a century in the chamber

Cllr Dr James Walsh was elected to Arun District Council in 1975. Here he tells LocalGov what he's learned about trust, transformation and keeping it local.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Youth Work Team Leader - Hospital Project

Essex County Council
£26924.0000 - £29644.0000 per annum
The Youth Work in Hospital Project operates within the Mid and South Essex Hospitals (Basildon, Southend, and Broomfield) to support young people in their community. England, Essex, Basildon
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Adults Social Worker - North Essex (Expression of Interest)

Essex County Council
£36124 - £51834 per annum + Flexible Working, Hybrid Working
Register your interest here to be notified of upcoming Social Worker opportunities within Essex County Council's Adult Social Care services in North England, Essex, Colchester
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Adults Social Worker - West Essex (Expression of Interest)

Essex County Council
£36124 - £51834 per annum + Flexible Working, Hybrid
Register your interest here to be notified of upcoming Social Worker opportunities within Essex County Council's Adult Social Care services in West E England, Essex, Harlow
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Adults Social Worker - South Essex (Expression of Interest)

Essex County Council
£36124 - £51834 per annum + Flexible Working, Hybrid
Register your interest here to be notified of upcoming Social Worker opportunities within Essex County Council's Adult Social Care services in South England, Essex, Basildon
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Adults Social Worker - Mid Essex (Expression of Interest)

Essex County Council
£36124 - £51834 per annum + Flexible Working, Hybrid
Register your interest here to be notified of upcoming Social Worker opportunities within Essex County Council's Adult Social Care services in Mid Es England, Essex, Chelmsford
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner