Cases6009047/2025

Claimant v National Earthmoving Limited

14 May 2025Before Employment Judge Robin BroughtonEast Midlandson papers

Outcome

Default judgment£1,947

Individual claims

Unlawful Deduction from Wagessucceeded

The respondent deducted monies from the claimant's wages ostensibly for pension contributions which were never paid into a pension scheme. The respondent failed to present a defence, and a Rule 21 default judgment was entered in favour of the claimant.

Breach of Contractsucceeded

The respondent breached the claimant's contract by deducting monies from his wages ostensibly for pension contributions which were never paid into a pension scheme. The respondent failed to present a defence, and a Rule 21 default judgment was entered in favour of the claimant.

Facts

The claimant brought claims for unauthorised deductions from wages and breach of contract against his employer, National Earthmoving Limited. The employer had deducted monies from the claimant's wages ostensibly for pension contributions but never paid these sums into a pension scheme. The respondent failed to present a valid response on time.

Decision

The Employment Judge made a Rule 21 default judgment in favour of the claimant as the respondent failed to defend the claim. The tribunal found the respondent had made unauthorised deductions and breached the employment contract, ordering payment of £1,947.00 to the claimant.

Practical note

Employers who deduct pension contributions from employees' wages but fail to pay them into a pension scheme face liability for unauthorised deductions and breach of contract, and risk default judgment if they fail to defend the claim.

Award breakdown

Unpaid wages£1,947

Legal authorities cited

Case details

Case number
6009047/2025
Decision date
14 May 2025
Hearing type
rule 21
Hearing days
Classification
default

Respondent

Sector
construction
Represented
No

Claimant representation

Represented
No