The government has named companies that underpaid some staff the minimum wage.
The latest list includes Northern Ireland businesses, racing trainers Alan King and Lucinda Russell, and retailer B&Q.
Those named must repay the money owed to workers.
Separately, official figures suggest that wages are falling behind in real terms.
That is a worrying economic indicator.
Prices are rising faster than pay, leaving workers with lower real incomes.
The government list and the pay data both point to financial strain for workers.
Officials said further steps would follow for employers in breach of wage rules.