A manager has been named and shamed by the government for failing to pay staff the National minimum wage.

Peter Oakes, who owns electrical contractors Peter Oakes Ltd, in North Rode, Macclesfield, neglected to pay £3,619.70 to two workers.

He was investigated by HM Revenue and Customs after staff made complaints. Mr Oakes, who employs 16 staff at his firm on Star Business Park, Congleton Road, was named under stricter rules which came into effect last October.

Mr Oakes, 40, said he had not intended to break the law.

He said: “I agreed to employ a 25-year-old who was desperate for work experience and offered to pay his own college fees. It was the only way I could afford to take him on.

“Things turned sour and then he reported me.

“The other situation was in regards to staff paying me back for the purchase of tools through their salary.

“I have to hold my hands up to the technical breach but it’s pretty upsetting.

“I am trying to help these lads get on. I’m not an unfair person.” The national minimum wage is £2.68 per hour for apprentices; £3.72 for staff under 18; £5.03 for staff aged 18 to 20; and £6.31 for staff aged 21 or over.

From March 7, the government will introduce a series of tougher measures to crack down on employers who flout the law. It includes a fine of up to £20,000 for employers who fail to pay their workers the minimum wage.

Business secretary Vince Cable said: “Paying less than the minimum wage is illegal.

“If employers break the law they need to know that they will face tough consequences.

“This is a clear warning to employers: you will damage your reputation and face a stiff penalty, if you don’t pay the minimum wage.“Any worker who is entitled to the minimum wage should receive it. It’s not only fair, it’s the law.”