FOUR Gwent businesses have been named on a government list of employers who have failed to pay staff the national minimum and living wage.

Wastesavers, in Newport, Sam’s Grill House, Abertridwr, Glanmor’s Bakery, Caerphilly and, Helmet Hair in Monmouth have been named on a list of more than 350 employers who have ‘underpaid’ staff.

But all four Gwent employers have said they now pay the minimum wage and that staff have been paid back.

Wastesavers, a community recycling group, appeared on the list for failing to pay £682.51 to one worker.

A spokesman from Wastesavers said: “In January 2015, Wastesavers became aware that one member of staff had not received the full national minimum wage he was entitled for a period of 11 months.

“This was a result of the individual reaching his 21st birthday in December 2013 when he became entitled to a higher rate of pay which we failed to recognise.

“The member of staff was subsequently given the back pay he was due plus interest for the eleven months over which the mistake was not spotted.

“Wastesavers updated its pay structure in 2015 to ensure all staff members, regardless of age, are paid at least the higher national living wage of £7.20 per hour.

“Wastesavers apologised unreservedly for the error at the time and undertook remedial action as soon as the mistake was discovered.”

Glanmor’s Bakery were listed as having failed to pay £3,959.70 to one worker.

Russell Evans, owner, said staff are always paid on or above the minimum wage.

He said the money was in relation to renting accommodation to a member of staff and a “loophole” in the law, of which he was unaware.

Helmet Hair, in Monmouth, failed to pay £192.50 to one member of staff. It came after the worker turned 18 and was therefore entitled to a higher rate of pay.

The hair salon paid back the wages as soon as managers were made aware.

Sam’s Grill House was ordered to pay back £636.30 to one member of staff.

A manager from the American takeaway said it followed a “dispute” over wages. She added that all staff are paid the minimum wage.

The department for business, energy and industrial strategy named 361 businesses in the UK who underpaid 15,521 workers a total of £995,684, with employers in the hairdressing, hospitality and retail sectors the most prolific offenders.

Secretary of state for Wales, Alun Cairns, said: “This record naming and shaming round sends out the clear message to employers across Wales that underpaying workers the legal minimum will not go unpunished.

“This Government is committed to building an economy that works for all and April’s increase in the national minimum and living wage rates will put more money into the pockets of Wales’ lowest paid workers.

“The rate increases on 1 April shows it pays to be in work and I am confident it will help support the high levels of employment throughout Wales.”