LANCASHIRE Cricket Club is one of more than 200 companies to be called a 'scrooge' for failing to pay the minimum wage.

The club, which is based at Old Trafford, underpaid 10 workers a total of around £2,330 from March 2014 until October 2016.

After an investigation by Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC), it has since paid these workers what was owed.

Overall, according to the list released on December 8, 208 companies underpaid 12,000 workers a total of around £1.2 million.

Paul Scully, Conservative MP and minister for small business, consumers and labour markets, said: "We want workers to know we’re on their side.

"They must be treated fairly by their employers, which is why paying the legal minimum wage should be non-negotiable for businesses.

"Today’s 208 businesses, whatever their size, should know better than to short-change hardworking employees, regardless of whether it was intentional or not.

"With Christmas fast approaching, it’s more important than ever cash is not withheld from the pockets of workers. So don’t be a scrooge – pay staff properly."

There are a number of reasons for companies failing to pay the minimum wage, from failing to pay for training and travel to paying the wrong amount for a worker's age.

Some companies fail to pay apprentices the right amount, which according to a spokesperson was the reason at Lancashire Cricket Club.

They said: "In 2018, HMRC undertook a routine review of pay practices for both playing and non-playing staff and found Lancashire Cricket Club to be compliant with the National Minimum Wage legislation, except for one particular issue relating to payments made to apprentices in prior tax years.

"The payments to apprentices were made immediately once the discrepancy was identified and the club remains committed to complying with National Minimum Wage and all other employment legislation.”

HMRC is reminding workers to check their pay and complain to them if underpaid. To check, use the 'Check Your Pay' website.