asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will ensure that all those employees who were underpaid by west midlands clothing manufacturers are informed of their right to claim back payment themselves.

The majority of employers pay the arrears assessed and in these cases the question of informing workers of their right to claim arrears themselves does not arise. Where the wages inspectorate comes to the view that the employer is unlikely to pay all or part of the arrears, the workers are informed of their right to pursue payment themselves, including pursuance through the Courts, if they wish. This does not rule out further action by the inspectorate.