Call for underpaid workers to 'shop Scrooge bosses'

WORKERS were today urged to "shop" unscrupulous bosses who continue to refuse to pay the minimum wage after a study showed around 150,000 people were being denied the statutory rate.

The TUC said the exploitation was "unacceptable", especially at this time of year when workers faced even more financial pressures.

TUC general secretary Brendan Barber said: "There should be no hiding place for bosses who are deliberately cheating their workers out of the minimum wage.

"If you know somebody who is not being paid the minimum wage, now is the time to help them. We can all help to 'shop a Scrooge' and bring justice to all those being abused by unscrupulous employers this Christmas."

Workers in hotels, restaurants, hairdressing, security, cleaning and childcare were most likely to be underpaid, said the TUC.

Complaints can be made to the minimum wage helpline on 0845 6000 678.