The company probably broke minimum wage law. And might owe employer’s national insurance contributions to HMRC (the tax office). That might sound strange because the employees weren’t paid. But if the company was legally obliged to pay minimum wage, I’d guess they were also legally obliged to pay employer taxes.
Having said that, the article noted that HMRC’s minimum wage enforcement team have already been involved and recovered just £29.70. Hopefully they’re still working on it.
Edit: An employment tribunal ruled that three employees are collectively owed £19,000, so minimum wage is somewhat being enforced. But the company doesn’t have any money to pay them. It’s a mess.
Having said that, the article noted that HMRC’s minimum wage enforcement team have already been involved and recovered just £29.70. Hopefully they’re still working on it.
Edit: An employment tribunal ruled that three employees are collectively owed £19,000, so minimum wage is somewhat being enforced. But the company doesn’t have any money to pay them. It’s a mess.