Underpayments

Mr. Rooker
asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will list the towns or cities where the Wages Inspectorate is currently carrying out a low-pay blitz.

Mr. John Grant
Saturation inspections have been carried out in the following towns this year: CardiffWolverhamptonSkegness and districtSouthportScarboroughBury St. EdmundsSwanseaEdinburgh There are to be further inspections of this kind but the towns will not be named in advance.

Mr. Rooker
asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will publish in the Official Report the results of the low pay blitz in Wolverhampton carried out by the Wages Inspectorate.

Mr. John Grant
176 establishments were visited of which one-quarter were found to be underpaying. The wages records of 1,053 workers were examined of whom 95 were found to be underpaid. Arrears assessed totalled just over £5,000.