Excuses for failing to pay staff the national minimum wage ranged from taking the cost of uniforms out of their pay packet and using wages to subsidise the Christmas party.

Eastern Daily Press: Mark Kermez, partner and solicitor at Clapham and Collinge.Mark Kermez, partner and solicitor at Clapham and Collinge. (Image: Photography by Julia Holland 2015. http://www.all-about-image.co.uk)

The government has published its list of 360, including a number in East Anglia, businesses which failed to meet the legal requirements for paying their staff.

In many cases businesses said the underpayments were due to accounting errors or incorrect paperwork.

So how can you stay on the right side of the law and avoid making the name and shame list?

Mark Kermez, partner at law firm Clapham & Collinge, shares his tips.

1. Be aware of any rises to the current minimum wage. Remember this applies to existing employees as well as newly hired employees.

2. Make a calendar entry for the implementation of rises to minimum wage to ensure you change your payroll in time. Ensure this is not only on your radar but also on your payroll staff's radar.

3. Sign up to some helpful HR news and updates. This will help your business as an employer to be aware of any changes to legislation that take place. Many of these email updates are free and can ensure your business keeps on the right track. If you need further help and advice to understand the updates to legislation, seek legal advice.

4. Attend employment law training sessions or seek guidance to questions online. Many national agencies like ACAS hold annual employment law updates across the Country. These events would ensure you are aware of the law and would be able to follow it in your business. Many of these sessions can be found locally in Norfolk so extensive travel is not always necessary; and

5. Have your employment contracts and payroll services reviewed annually. This can either be by an independent expert (accountant or solicitor) or it can be an internal procedure done by yourself.