Accountancy error blamed for pay failure

AN Oldham firm is blaming an error by one of its accountants after it was named and shamed for being one of 92 companies that failed to pay employees the national minimum wage.

Oldham Premier Plumbing Supplies Ltd, in Lees Road, failed to pay £6,270.28 to one of its staff members. Company director Ali Shan told the Chronicle: “It was an accounting mistake. He didn’t put it in the records.”

Between them the 92 companies owed almost £1.9 million in arrears across hairdressing, social care, hospitality and security services. Since the scheme began in October 2013, 490 employers have been named and total arrears calculated at more than £3 million. Penalties have totalled over £1,100,000.

The current minimum wage rate is £6.70 an hour (21 and over) and £5.30 (18-20). From April 1 the new rate will be £7.20 an hour for workers aged 25 and over who are not in their first year of an apprenticeship