Weston-super-Mare Pier named, shamed and fined for failing to pay minimum wage

Grand Pier Limited, Weston Super Mare, that operate The Grand Pier failed to pay £3,307.08 to 94 workers.

They have been named and shamed amongst 400 companies nationally that have been issued fines and are on a Government list for failing to pay workers the minimum wage.

Those aged 18 to 20 are entitled to £10 an hour, which is set to go up to £10.85, and the minimum for under-18s and apprentices is £7.55, rising to £8.

Photo: (gov.uk)

Published on Thursday 19th March it is the first "naming round" after Chancellor Rachel Reeves vowed in last year's Budget to regularly publish the name of offending companies.

This is the first ‘naming round’ since the Chancellor’s Budget commitment to publish more frequently, this puts more pressure on employers to keep their payroll up to date and boosts workers’ confidence that when they’re treated poorly by their boss, swift justice will follow. 

Employment Rights Minister Kate Dearden said:

"Nobody should finish a week's work and find they've been paid less than they've earned. I believe in a fair day's pay for a fair day's work.

"That's why we're cracking down on employers who underpay."

In an unrelated incident, in January 2024, Grand Pier Ltd in Weston-super-Mare was ordered to pay nearly £200,000 in fines and costs following the death of 94-year-old Margaret Carter, who was struck by a falling 100kg advertising board.

The court found "high culpability" due to inadequate health and safety systems regarding the, now discontinued, A-boards.

Weston Independent News has contacted Grand Pier Ltd for a statement.