Dentist ordered to repay employees

Dr Jawdet Al-Damouk, who worked as the Brimington Dental Practice in Chesterfield, was investigated by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) officials who found that he was paying trainee staff an apprenticeship rate rather than the minimum wage.

Following a tribunal in Sheffield, the practice was ordered to repay eight employees a total of £4,214 as well as a penalty of £1,872 for failing to comply with the rules.

HMRC’s head of national minimum wage enforcement, Michelle Wyer, said: “Paying the national minimum wage isn’t optional, it is a worker’s legal right.

“It is simply not acceptable for an employer, employment business or employment agency to operate outside of the law.

“HMRC will work with employers to help them understand their responsibilities, and are always prepared to look at ways to resolve matters without going to an employment tribunal, but HMRC will also relentlessly pursue arrears of the minimum wage for workers whom we believe have been underpaid.”