Claimant v Gracechurch Family Office Limited
Outcome
Individual claims
The Respondent wholly failed to pay any salary from 1 March 2025 to 31 October 2025, constituting a series of unauthorised deductions from wages contrary to s.13 Employment Rights Act 1996. The Respondent did not file a defence or attend the hearing, and the claim was undefended and well-founded.
Facts
Two claimants, Mr Joel Ithier and Mr Christopher Weir, brought claims against their employer, Gracechurch Family Office Limited, for non-payment of wages. The Respondent completely failed to pay any salary to either claimant for an eight-month period from 1 March 2025 to 31 October 2025. The Respondent did not file a defence, did not attend the hearing, and was not represented.
Decision
The tribunal found the undefended complaints of unauthorised deductions from wages well-founded and awarded Mr Ithier £153,600 (including £3,600 pension) and Mr Weir £111,433.30 (including £2,600 pension). The awards (excluding pension) were uplifted by 25% due to the Respondent's unreasonable failure to comply with the ACAS Code on Grievance and Disciplinary Procedures.
Practical note
Employers who wholly fail to pay salary and do not engage with tribunal proceedings face default judgments with ACAS Code uplifts of up to 25% on top of unpaid wages.
Award breakdown
Adjustments
The Respondent failed unreasonably to comply with the ACAS Code of Practice on Grievance and Disciplinary Procedures. Awards (excluding pension) were uplifted by 25% on a just and equitable basis pursuant to s.207A TULRCA 1992.
Legal authorities cited
Statutes
Case details
- Case number
- 3200467/2025
- Decision date
- 5 December 2025
- Hearing type
- default judgment
- Hearing days
- 1
- Classification
- default
Respondent
- Sector
- financial services
- Represented
- No
Claimant representation
- Represented
- No