The employment minister has hailed a crackdown on "scrooge bosses".

Gerry Sutcliffe said on Wednesday that more than five thousand low paid workers across the UK have benefited from a get tough policy with firms who refused to pay the minimum wage.

Sutcliffe said almost £1.8 million in wage arrears has been uncovered since April by Inland Revenue minimum wage enforcement teams.

Since the statutory pay policy was introduced in 1999 the total wage arrears recovered now tops £14 million.

"These figures send a clear message to unscrupulous bosses that we will pursue those who are not paying the minimum wage," Sutcliffe said.

"We are committed to providing workers with decent minimum standards and ensuring fairness in the workplace.

"Most employers in the UK are complying with the minimum wage because they know that decent wages mean a well-motivated workforce which in turn encourages enhanced business competitiveness and performance, but a small percentage still refuse to comply.

"I'm delighted that this pay boost has been identified in time for Christmas and hope that the employers work hard to ensure payment of the arrears as soon as possible."