§ Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many prosecutions for underpayment of wages were made in each year since 1979; and what number of employees were involved.
§ Mr. Michael Forsyth[holding answer 22 October 1993]: The information requested is provided in the table. The policy of the wages inspectorate under all Governments has been to seek compliance with wages council orders by advice and persuasion. Prosecution is usually considered only where an offence is deliberate or repeated and the evidence is considered sufficient.
Year Number of prosecutions for underpayment Number of workers involved 1979 9 26 1980 8 43 1981 8 40 1982 4 4 1983 2 8 1984 2 5 1985 2 2 1986 2 6 1987 4 10 1988 10 23 1989 9 21 1990 7 15 1991 15 31 1992 12 41