Bristol-based vet company failed to pay almost 200 workers the minimum wage

A Bristol vetcare company has been named and shamed by the government for failing to pay almost 200 workers the minimum wage. 

Keynsham-based Independent Vetcare, now known as IVC Evidensia, underpaid 171 workers by a staggering £53,553.62.

It is one of more than 500 businesses across the country - and three in the Bristol area - named in a government list for failing to pay the National Minimum Wage. 

IVC says it has been named as a result of historic issues which have since been addressed.   

A spokesperson told BristolWorld: “IVC Evidensia is named as a result of historic issues from 2013 to 2019, relating to the application of statutory wage regulations to clothing policy and repayment of training loans for employees, with the majority of the 170 employees in question working under contracts and policies from a time prior to their practices joining the IVC Evidensia Group.

“Having been made aware of these issues, we worked with the HMRC to agree a resolution, notified affected colleagues and reimbursed them within a couple of weeks, communicated with practices around these specific issues, and updated our policies and processes. 

“Our subsequent investments in centralised HR and expenses systems helps protect against issues like this.” 

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IVC, which was founded in 2011, says it is the world’s leading veterinary care provider.

The vet company has a network of clinics, hospitals and out-of-hour centres based across 19 countries employing over 28,000 staff.

It is one of 524 companies named in a government list for not paying the minimum wage after an investigation by HMRC.            

The businesses named in the list have since paid back what they owe to their staff and have also faced financial penalties of up to 200 per cent of their underpayment. 

Bristol-based Proserv GBR, a distributor of Kirby vacuum cleaners, was also named on the list for failing to pay £1,033.34 to one worker.    

While Murrays of Clevedon - a deli, artisan bakery, Italian wine shop, cafe and restaurant - failed to pay £998.93 to one worker.   

Both of the above companies have been contacted for comment.