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.’

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