Cases3306532/2024

Claimant v Complete Contracts Ltd

25 April 2025Before Employment Judge QuillEast of England

Outcome

Claimant succeeds£5,567

Individual claims

Unlawful Deduction from Wagessucceeded

The Respondent deducted £70.18 as a pension contribution but did not pay it to the pension provider, constituting an unauthorised deduction from wages under the Employment Rights Act 1996.

Unlawful Deduction from Wagessucceeded

The Respondent deducted £245.20 as PAYE tax but did not pay it to HMRC, constituting an unauthorised deduction from wages under the Employment Rights Act 1996.

Unlawful Deduction from Wagessucceeded

The Respondent deducted £98.13 as employee's national insurance contribution but did not pay it to HMRC, constituting an unauthorised deduction from wages under the Employment Rights Act 1996.

Wrongful Dismissalsucceeded

The claimant was entitled to 12 weeks' notice under her contract of employment but was dismissed without notice and without payment in lieu of notice, constituting a breach of contract.

Facts

Ms Stanyon brought claims against Complete Contracts Ltd under two case numbers. The respondent deducted amounts from her wages for pension contributions, PAYE tax, and employee national insurance contributions but failed to pay these amounts to the appropriate authorities. She was also dismissed without receiving the 12 weeks' notice to which she was contractually entitled, and received no payment in lieu of notice.

Decision

The tribunal found in favour of the claimant on all claims. The respondent was ordered to pay £70.18 for pension deductions not remitted, £245.20 for PAYE not paid to HMRC, £98.13 for NI contributions not paid to HMRC, and £5,153.73 damages for wrongful dismissal representing 12 weeks' notice pay. This was a Rule 22 judgment issued without a hearing.

Practical note

Employers who deduct statutory contributions and tax from employees' wages but fail to remit them to the relevant authorities are liable for unauthorised deduction from wages claims, in addition to their obligations to HMRC and pension providers.

Award breakdown

Notice pay£5,154
Unpaid wages£414

Legal authorities cited

Statutes

ERA 1996

Case details

Case number
3306532/2024
Decision date
25 April 2025
Hearing type
default judgment
Hearing days
Classification
default

Respondent

Sector
construction
Represented
No

Employment details

Claimant representation

Represented
No