36 NI firms named for minimum wage underpayments

Thirty-six Northern Ireland businesses, including a care provider, hotels, and solicitors, have been named by the Department for Business and Trade for failing to pay staff the minimum wage. Across the UK, over 600 employers were ordered to repay workers, with £4m returned and £7m in penalties issued. Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds stated the government is determined to stop the practice of "short-changing your staff." The April 2026 minimum wage rose to £12.71 for over-21s and £10.85 for 18-20 year olds. Peninsula Care Services owed the most in NI, failing to pay £42,013.29 to 125 workers.