The government has named employers that failed to pay some staff the minimum wage.
The official list includes Northern Ireland businesses, horse 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 an economic warning sign.
Prices are climbing more quickly than wages, leaving workers with less spending power.
The government list and the pay data together underline financial strain for workers.
Officials said further steps would follow for employers in breach of wage rules.