DIY retailer B&Q is one of hundreds of UK businesses named by the government for paying staff below the minimum wage.
B&Q underpaid 4,530 workers a total of more than £456,000, according to the government.
B&Q responded to the BBC, the retailer said: “The shortfalls in payments were unintentional. They relate to calculations involving geographical allowances which are paid in addition to minimum hourly rates. All affected colleagues were quickly paid in full in July 2025.”
More than 600 employers were ordered to pay affected workers the outstanding wages, with £4m returned to workers, according to the Department for Business and Trade. This included fast food chain Five Guys, Forest Holidays and several NHS hospital trusts.
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Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said the government was determined to stamp out the practice of “short-changing your staff”.
“The best businesses know that looking after your workers isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s the smart thing to do,” he said.
In August, retailers reacted to the government’s zero or low-hours contracts changes. Proposed amendments to the Employment Rights Act would see workers on such contracts gain the right to guaranteed hours based on the amount they regularly work.
They would also be granted reasonable notice of shifts and compensation when shifts are cancelled or changed at short notice.
Businesses have warned that this overhaul risked adding billions to employment costs and reducing the flexible jobs relied on by shops and younger workers.
Kate Dearden, minister for the future of work, said: “Underpaying your staff is illegal, and we will not let workers foot the bill for their boss failing to follow the rules.
“Every employer should check their payroll now and reach out to Acas if they need further support.”
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