Claimant v Secret Garden Café Hull Ltd
Outcome
Individual claims
The Claimant was owed £1,186.90 for May 2024 shifts (payable on 31 May) and £643.50 for June 2024 shifts (payable on or by 30 June). None of these wages were paid. The tribunal found this amounted to an unlawful deduction for which there was no contractual or statutory authority.
The Claimant was entitled to one week's notice of termination of employment but none was given when her employment was terminated in June 2024. The tribunal awarded damages of £225 for this failure to provide notice.
Facts
The Claimant worked 20 hours per week at the Respondent's café at £11.40 per hour, paid monthly in arrears. Her employment was terminated without notice in June 2024. She had not been paid for shifts worked in May 2024 (£1,186.90 gross) or June 2024 (£643.50 gross). The Respondent failed to file a response to her tribunal claim.
Decision
The tribunal issued a default judgment under rule 22 after the Respondent failed to respond. The claims for unlawful deduction of wages and damages for failure to give notice both succeeded. The tribunal awarded £1,830.40 for unpaid wages and £225 for notice pay, totalling £2,055.40.
Practical note
Employers who fail to defend tribunal claims face default judgments where the tribunal is satisfied on the available material that claims are well-founded.
Award breakdown
Case details
- Case number
- 2500270/2025
- Decision date
- 30 June 2025
- Hearing type
- rule 21
- Hearing days
- —
- Classification
- default
Respondent
- Sector
- hospitality
- Represented
- No
Employment details
- Role
- café worker
Claimant representation
- Represented
- No