A care home in Kent has been ‘named and shamed’ by the government for not paying a member of staff the minimum wage.

Maidstone Care Centre, in Boxley Road, failed to pay one member of staff £178.76, according to a list released Department for Business, Innovation and Skills on Tuesday morning.

The home provides general nursing, as well dementia and palliative care. It is operated by Ranc Care Homes.

Its group financial controller Michael Brannelly said: “It was a mistake. It was a single individual error. We have nearly 900 staff and made one mistake.

“The lady decided to complain to the National Minimum Wage Panel rather than bring it to our attention.

“We have been put in the modern equivalent of the stocks.

“We made a mistake hands up but we have put it right.

“I think what the government is doing is right. They should point poor employers and we have been caught up in something bigger for one mistake.”

The current national minimum wage rate is £6.50 per hour for an adult over 21.

For 18 to 20-year olds it is £5.13 per hour and for 16 to 17-year olds it is £3.79 per hour.
The apprentice rate is £2.73 per hour.

Business minister Jo Swinson said:“There’s no excuse for companies that don’t pay staff the wages they’re entitled to – whether by wilfully breaking the law, or making irresponsible mistakes.”