The campaign will see advertisement on public transport, in shopping centres and public spaces rolled out ahead of the rise of National Living and National Minimum wage on April 1st.

Jennie Granger, director general for customer compliance at HMRC, said: “Paying the National Minimum Wage is the law – it’s not a choice. Employers must pay their workers what they’re entitled to and follow the rules.

“We will act to ensure ripped-off workers receive their proper pay and hardworking businesses are not losing out to dodgy dealers who cheat their staff.”

The campaign comes as a poll for the government shows confusion what deductions can be legally made.

Out of 1,400 workers earning less that £15,000 per annum, 57% didn’t know having money deducted from their wages to cover uniform costs if it takes earnings below National Minimum or National Living Wage is unlawful. 48% didn’t know that tips can’t be used to top up pay to the legal minimum.

From April, the national living wage for those aged 25 and over will increase by 30p to £7.50. The rate for 21 to 24 year olds will increase by 10p to £7.05 per hour and the rate for 18 to 20 year olds will increase by 5 to £5.60 per hour.