Claimant v Ara Catering Services Limited
Outcome
Individual claims
The tribunal found that the respondent made unauthorised deductions from the wages of all three claimants. The respondent did not attend to contest the claims and the tribunal awarded the net sums claimed by each claimant.
Facts
Three claimants, who appear to be Cantonese-speaking employees, brought claims for unlawful deduction of wages against their employer, a catering services company. The claimants represented themselves and required interpreters in Cantonese for the hearing conducted remotely. The respondent failed to attend the hearing and did not defend the claims.
Decision
The tribunal found in favor of all three claimants, awarding Ms Wong £6,784.76, Mr Li £5,530.52, and Mr Wu £5,921.01 for unauthorised deductions from wages. The sums were awarded net and are to be paid without deductions, with the respondent responsible for tax and national insurance obligations to HMRC.
Practical note
Where a respondent fails to attend or defend unauthorised deduction of wages claims, tribunals will award the sums claimed net with the employer retaining tax liability, demonstrating the importance of employer engagement in tribunal proceedings.
Award breakdown
Case details
- Case number
- 3201857/2024
- Decision date
- 8 October 2025
- Hearing type
- full merits
- Hearing days
- 1
- Classification
- contested
Respondent
- Sector
- hospitality
- Represented
- No
Claimant representation
- Represented
- No