Claimant v Cornerstone College (Cambridge) Ltd
Outcome
Individual claims
The tribunal found that the respondent made an unauthorised deduction from the claimant's wages in the period July to September 2023, totalling £3,250 gross. The tribunal heard the claim in the absence of the respondent's effective participation and found in favour of the claimant.
Facts
Dr Obikwu brought a claim for unauthorised deductions from wages against Cornerstone College (Cambridge) Ltd. The respondent deducted £3,250 gross from his wages during the period July to September 2023. The hearing proceeded with the claimant appearing in person supported by a McKenzie friend, while the respondent had a manager observing but not permitted to participate under Rule 22(3).
Decision
The tribunal found the claim well-founded and ordered the respondent to pay the claimant £3,250 gross, representing the unauthorised deduction from wages. The claimant was made responsible for payment of any tax or National Insurance on this sum.
Practical note
An employer's failure to effectively participate in tribunal proceedings will not prevent a claimant from succeeding on a well-founded claim for unauthorised deductions from wages.
Award breakdown
Case details
- Case number
- 3301644/2024
- Decision date
- 7 November 2025
- Hearing type
- full merits
- Hearing days
- 1
- Classification
- contested
Respondent
- Sector
- education
- Represented
- No
Claimant representation
- Represented
- No