Cases6015148/2025

Claimant v Barkers (Cambridge) Ltd

29 December 2025Before Employment Judge L CowenSouth Easton papers

Outcome

Partly successful£13,068

Individual claims

Unlawful Deduction from Wagessucceeded

The respondent failed to present a valid response on time. Under rule 21, the tribunal determined the claim on the papers and found in favour of the claimant for unpaid wages totalling £11,913.84.

Breach of Contractdismissed on withdrawal

The claim for breach of contract was dismissed on the basis that the claimant's employment has not been terminated, meaning no breach of contract claim can proceed in the tribunal.

Holiday Paydismissed on withdrawal

The claim for holiday pay was dismissed on the basis that the claimant's employment has not been terminated, and therefore no accrued holiday pay is yet due.

Othersucceeded

The tribunal awarded unpaid pension contributions of £1,154.40 as the respondent failed to make required pension contributions during the employment, determined under rule 21 after respondent's failure to defend.

Facts

The claimant brought claims for unpaid wages, unpaid pension contributions, holiday pay and breach of contract against their employer. The respondent failed to present a valid ET3 response within the time limit. The claimant remained employed at the time of the judgment.

Decision

The tribunal issued a rule 21 default judgment on the papers. The claimant succeeded in claims for unpaid wages (£11,913.84) and unpaid pension contributions (£1,154.40), totalling £13,068.24. Claims for holiday pay and breach of contract were dismissed as the employment had not terminated.

Practical note

Rule 21 default judgments can succeed on unlawful deduction of wages claims even where employment continues, but breach of contract and holiday pay claims require termination of employment to be justiciable in the employment tribunal.

Award breakdown

Unpaid wages£11,914
Pension loss£1,154

Legal authorities cited

Case details

Case number
6015148/2025
Decision date
29 December 2025
Hearing type
rule 21
Hearing days
Classification
default

Respondent

Sector
other
Represented
No

Claimant representation

Represented
No