Midcounties Co-operative worker receives record payout after earning below minimum wage

The biggest independent co-op in Britain, Midcounties Co-operative, has had to pay over £14,000 to worker Rodney Sharpe after paying him below minimum wage for at least six years - The Guardian has revealed.

Another member of staff, Roger Lilley, received compensation in excess of £4,000 after initiating an HMRC inquiry with claims that he received 69p an hour on some days.  

Newspaper delivery man Sharpe, who completes his round with the help of a walking stick, says he made £3.15 an hour.

Lilley, who also delivers newspapers, was working seven days a week, which is in breach of working time regulations. His claim of 69p an hour is what he was earning after petrol and other car expenses were deducted.