Sheffield councillor slams private hospital for underpaying 102 workers £24k in minimum wage

A Sheffield councillor has criticised Spire Claremont Hospital after the government’s Fair Work Agency found it had underpaid 102 workers by failing to pay the national minimum wage. The case has prompted a call for Sheffield Council’s Business Sheffield service to contact employers that may be underpaying staff and help them address problems.

The hospital said historic payroll issues caused the shortfall, that affected employees were reimbursed last year, and that HMRC closed its case in March 2025. Hospital director Tim Smith said the hospital now pays all staff the highest minimum wage rate regardless of age. The total underpayment was £24,165.04; Councillor Minesh Parekh said minimum wage protections matter and that workers need a strong voice.