The UK government has released a list of employers who have been found to pay their staff below the minimum wage. Whilst you are aware of my reservations about the minimum wage, this looks like a positive step forward by the government. However, a few things would make it even better.
The first is that some businesses have not been named. Interestingly, these are the ones with the biggest fines (£167,000) which gives the impression that their status has brought them silence. Additionally, a football club was also found to underpay their staff (not the football players of course) which would suggest to people that money still buys silence, even from the government. In response the government said “HMRC dealt with these cases through the civil route, so our rules on taxpayer confidentiality apply.” I would like to know what is the difference between these routes and why does confidentiality have to apply to them and not to the other businesses?
The second thing is that although the companies are being rightly fined, perhaps some of the fine should be given to those underpaid workers. Currently, they are reimbursed for their lost earnings but perhaps they should receive some additional compensation as they are the true victims of the crime, not the government.
In all honesty, whilst this is a good policy of the government to name and shame companies, they still need to raise the minimum wage thresholds further, especially for 16-20 year-olds.
These are my opinions. Do you agree or disagree?
Until Next Time,
A Worried Student
A WORRIED STUDENT 
Hmm! VERY interesting post. Naturally, I’ve a question to ask you. 🙂
Perhaps the process of naming and shaming might not be the way to go about it. As you said, money can also buy silence, meaning not all companies have been cast under the public eye. This can be rather..unnerving for those corporations. Therefore, perhaps with private attention, companies would in effect, pay back their debts – distribution is another topic, but yes, I see why you’d say those underpaid should be given compensation.
Although, looking at it from a separate point of view, a main issue with this would be that without public scrutiny, they might not get a move on with the whole thing..
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hmm I guess the government has introduced this naming and shaming policy to deter others. I think companies should be named as it means their reputation is at stake and so hopefully, they will pay fairly in the future. Of course private attention may work but it would not let others know that paying less than the minimum wage will also result in them being punished.
LikeLiked by 1 person
If only the government wouldn’t conceal others – with money being at the centre here.
Hmm. Yes. OK.
Solid points; you’re very good at maintaining your argument!
LikeLike
Yup, money is always at the centre of things it seems!
Haha thank you thank you.
LikeLike
Hmm..I’ve a book which when I was a little kiddie (still am, but I’m just a bigger kiddie) I found really interesting. By Alvin Hall, it was called “Show Me the Money.”
Sounds like a book I think you might like! Years back I heard him on the radio, and my brother went online and ordered his book.
But since then I kind of permanently borrowed it..:)
Your welcome! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha, I shall look it up! 🙂
LikeLike
😀
Gah, if only I could slot my copy through the screen!
LikeLike
(Just to say, it is a children’s book, but nonetheless, if you’d have come across it I don’t know…you might have liked it!)
😀
LikeLike
Aha yes I just realised when I searched it lol
LikeLike
😀
(IM NOT LIKE, EIGHT. But if I was an eight year old blogger..HMMMMMMM! Wow! An eight year old blogging about using the word monetary, for example. Hey ho!
Hahaha *chuckles at own joke then realises it’s best to stop*
I just glanced at the bookshelf and it caught my eye.)
😀
LikeLike
Now you’re making me imagine how I would have been as an eight year old blogger!
LikeLike
OH GOD THAT’D BE SUCH A GOOD POST!!!
*hint hint*
I shall do this one day. And please, if you want to one day, you should do it too! 😀
LikeLike
Haha 😀 I shall!
LikeLike
😀
LikeLike