A car dealer group has undertaken a review of its processes after being found paying two employees less than the national minimum wage.

Saftdwin Ltd, which trades as Martins Group and has Volkswagen, Nissan, Peugeot, Renault and Dacia car showrooms in Hampshire and Surrey, was found by HM Revenue & Customs to have underpaid two workers by £806.37.

Since new rules were brought in last October the Government can release lists of employers who fail to pay their staff the minimum wage. It operates a helpline for whistleblowers.

A spokesman from Saftdwin Limited, whose main shareholder is Brian Martin according to Companies House, told the Basingstoke Gazette: “We worked closely with HMRC during their investigation, which highlighted two discrepancies over a period of three years out of 275 staff.

“Having had this brought to our attention, it was rectified immediately and the affected staff paid accordingly.

"We undertook a review of processes and are confident of no future occurrences.”

The Government is planning to introduce new powers over the next year to fine employers £20,000 for each employee that is underpaid.

On October 1 the national minimum wage will rise from the current £6.31 per hour to £6.50 for adults, from £5.03 to £5.13 for 18-20 year olds, from £3.72 to £3.79 for 16-17 year olds, and from £2.68 to £2.73 for apprentices.