A Biddulph car wash has been "named and shamed" by the Government in its latest list of firms that failed to pay workers the minimum wage.

Biddulph Soaps, on Tunstall Road, was among almost 200 firms named by the Government, in a list released last week, who failed to pay the minimum wage to their workers at various points between 2011 and 2018.

In total, 191 companies investigated between 2011 and 2018 failed to pay £2.1m to more than 34,000 workers.

The businesses were made to pay back the money as well as being fined £3.2m.

The list, which was released on Thursday, 5th August, states that a Mr Akbar Shah, trading as Biddulph Soaps, failed to pay £1034.89 to four workers between 4th September 2017 to 17th December 2017.

That equates to an average of £258.72 owed to each worker during this period.

The government acknowledged that many of the breaches were not intentional, but said the minimum wage laws were meant to ensure that a fair day's work received a fair day's pay.

Pret, McColls and Welcome Break are among the largest companies to be named in the latest list. The trio said the underpayments were historic errors and staff had been swiftly reimbursed.

The National Living Wage, as it is now known, is currently £8.91 an hour for workers over the age of 23.

Business minister Paul Scully said: "It is unacceptable for any company to come up short. All employers, including those on this list, need to pay workers properly.

"This government will continue to protect workers' rights vigilantly, and employers that short-change workers won't get off lightly."

Chair of the Low Pay Commission Bryan Sanderson added: "These are very difficult times for all workers, particularly those on low pay who are often undertaking critical tasks in a variety of key sectors including care.

"The minimum wage provides a crucial level of support and compliance is essential for the benefit of both the recipients and our society as a whole."

Biddulph Nub News contacted Biddulph Soaps, but they were unavailable for immediate comment.