THE leader of the Bolton UKIP group is to appeal after he was one of nearly 180 employers named and shamed for failing to pay the minimum wage.

Cllr Sean Hornby has been listed by the Government as one of 179 employers fined a total of £1.3 million for breaking national minimum wage laws.

According to department of business, energy and industrial strategy, Cllr Hornby failed to pay £129.45 to one worker at The Queens Hotel in Bury, of which he his landlord.

Cllr Hornby said that the issue was not related to minimum pay but over a dispute over hours worked — stressing he was a great supporter of the minimum wage.

He said: "This issue goes back to 2014 and was a dispute over the hours worked.

"I remember actually ringing the Inland Revenue, but realised it would cost me far more in accountant fees to fight it, and the worker was paid despite the dispute over the hours worked, it was not to do with the hourly rate."

Cllr Hornby said: "I will be appealing this as I am a great believer in the minimum wage and that before it was introduced those working in the service industry were open to abuse when it came to pay.

"All my workers are paid through BACS."

He added: "As far as I am aware I have received no penalty notice."

The list includes retailers, hospitality businesses and hairdressers.

The names of the businesses were published ahead of the next rate rise on April 1, when the National Living Wage will go up from £7.50 to £7.83 per hour. Apprentices under the age of 19 and those in the first year of their apprenticeship will benefit from a record 5.7 per cent rise.

The Government said as well as recovering backpay for 9,200 workers, they were also fined.

Business Minister Andrew Griffiths said:"The world of work is changing and we have set out our plans to give millions of workers enhanced rights to ensure everyone is paid and treated fairly in the workplace.

"There are no excuses for short-changing workers. This is an absolute red line for this government and employers who cross it will get caught — not only are they forced to pay back every penny but they are also fined up to 200 per cent of wages owed.

"Today’s naming round serves as a sharp reminder to employers to get their house in order ahead of minimum wage rate rises."