ABC Scaffolding, a well known company based in Low Moresby near Whitehaven, has been penalised for not paying the national minimum wage to two employees. The firm owes a total of £4,374.01, covering the period from November 2021 to May 2022.
The Department for Business included ABC Scaffolding in a list of 389 employers who failed to meet wage requirements. The company has operated in west Cumbria for 10 years and serves industrial, commercial, and domestic clients across the region.
How Much Staff Were Owed
Each affected worker was underpaid by £2,187.01. The unpaid wages relate to work done over a six-month period. The company’s registered address is Brisco Bank Farm, Low Moresby.
Who are ABC Scaffolding
ABC Scaffolding is recognised as one of Cumbria’s leading scaffolding firms. It operates in several towns including Whitehaven, Egremont, Workington, Maryport, and Keswick. The company has built a strong presence in the local scaffolding industry over the past decade.
The reviews for the company are generally positive but it appears they are not treating staff with the same care as their clients.
Government Response and Enforcement
Business Secretary Peter Kyle emphasised that most businesses pay their workers properly and follow the rules. He criticised those who gain an unfair advantage by withholding wages. Mr Kyle expressed support for the new Fair Work Agency (FWA), which will enforce workers’ rights and crack down on wage violations.
Upcoming Minimum Wage Increase
From April, the national minimum wage will rise to £12.71 per hour for workers aged 21 and over. Younger workers aged 18 to 20 will receive £10.85 per hour, while apprentices will earn £8 per hour. This increase highlights the importance of employers adhering to wage laws.
Government Advice to Employers
Employment Rights Minister Kate Dearden urged employers to review their payroll systems to avoid underpayment. She stressed that workers deserve fair pay for their work and that the government is committed to enforcing this principle.
