The government has named businesses that failed to pay some staff the minimum wage.
The government list includes Northern Ireland businesses, horse racing trainers Alan King and Lucinda Russell, and retailer B&Q.
Those named are expected to repay the money owed to employees.
Separately, recent reports suggest that wages are trailing inflation.
That is an economic warning sign.
Prices are climbing more quickly than wages, leaving workers with lower real incomes.
The government list and the pay data together underline financial strain for workers.
Officials said further steps would follow for employers who broke minimum wage rules.