Cases8000207/2025

Claimant v Bars Holdings Limited

23 May 2025Before Employment Judge Mrs M KearnsScotlandin person

Outcome

Claimant succeeds£6,164

Individual claims

Unlawful Deduction from Wagessucceeded

The claimant was suspended on full pay from September 2024 but was not paid for November 2024 onwards except for a partial cash payment of £500. The tribunal found that wages were properly payable during the suspension period and the failure to pay constituted an unlawful deduction from wages under Section 13 of the Employment Rights Act 1996.

Holiday Paywithdrawn

Withdrawn by claimant as premature because the claim can only be brought once employment has terminated. Claimant reserved the right to bring this claim in future.

Redundancy Paywithdrawn

Withdrawn by claimant as premature because the claim can only be brought once employment has terminated. Claimant reserved the right to bring this claim in future.

Facts

The claimant was a part-time maintenance man at a Glasgow hotel employed since 2017. In September 2024 he was suspended on full pay after being filmed as a bystander at a demonstration. He was paid for September and October 2024 but received no pay for November onwards, except £500 cash in December. The respondent never clarified the reason for suspension or its duration, and took no further action despite the claimant's attempts to contact them.

Decision

The tribunal found that the respondent unlawfully deducted wages from the claimant's pay during his suspension. The claimant was entitled to be paid during his suspension and the failure to pay from November 2024 to May 2025 constituted unlawful deductions. The tribunal ordered the respondent to pay £6,164 in unpaid wages calculated at National Minimum Wage rates.

Practical note

Employers must pay employees who are suspended on full pay, and failure to do so constitutes an unlawful deduction from wages even where no disciplinary process has been concluded or communicated.

Award breakdown

Unpaid wages£6,164

Award equivalent: 26.9 weeks' gross pay

Legal authorities cited

Statutes

Employment Rights Act 1996 s.13

Case details

Case number
8000207/2025
Decision date
23 May 2025
Hearing type
full merits
Hearing days
1
Classification
contested

Respondent

Sector
hospitality
Represented
No

Employment details

Role
maintenance man
Salary band
Under £15,000
Service
8 years

Claimant representation

Represented
No