The government has named employers that failed to pay some staff the minimum wage.
The government list includes Northern Ireland businesses, racing trainers Alan King and Lucinda Russell, and retailer B&Q.
Those named must repay the money owed to workers.
Separately, official figures suggest that wages are trailing inflation.
That is a warning about household budgets.
Prices are rising faster than pay, leaving workers with lower real incomes.
The government list and the pay data both point to financial strain for workers.
Officials said enforcement action would follow for employers in breach of wage rules.