Claimant v Omar Ahmed Limited

Outcome

Facts

The claimant worked as a sandwich maker for the respondent from 24 June to 14 July 2023, when he was dismissed for gross misconduct. He was paid £10.42 per hour on a zero hours contract. The respondent made deductions from his wages totaling £648.30 for: key replacement (£457), training costs (£156.30), and uniform not returned (£35). The claimant failed to return his store key after dismissal and the respondent changed the locks. The claimant disputed the amount of hours worked but kept no records.

Decision

The tribunal found the claimant worked 72.5 hours (£755.45 gross wages). Deductions for key replacement and training were lawful as they were authorised by the contract. However, the £35 uniform deduction was unlawful because the claimant was summarily dismissed and told not to return to the store, making it impossible for him to comply with the contractual requirement to return uniform before final pay. The claimant was awarded £142.15 in unpaid wages.

Practical note

Award breakdown

Legal authorities cited