Cases3305401/2024

Claimant v Fresh Foods Maystor Ltd (In creditor's voluntary liquidation)

11 April 2025Before Employment Judge AlliottWatfordin person

Outcome

Claimant succeeds£1,600

Individual claims

Unlawful Deduction from Wagessucceeded

The claimant was not paid for the period 22-28 April 2024. The tribunal found the First Respondent made unauthorised deductions totalling £372.00 gross (one week's pay) for this period.

Breach of Contractsucceeded

The claimant was entitled to two weeks' notice but received only one week's notice pay from the Second Respondent. The First Respondent breached contract by failing to pay the remaining week's notice of £372.00 gross.

Holiday Paysucceeded

The claimant had accrued 2.7 weeks holiday by dismissal date and taken 1.4 weeks, leaving 1.3 weeks unpaid. The tribunal calculated unpaid holiday pay as £483.60 gross which the First Respondent failed to pay.

Redundancy Paysucceeded

The claimant was dismissed by reason of redundancy with two years' service, aged 20. The tribunal calculated a statutory redundancy payment of £372.00 which the First Respondent failed to pay.

Unfair Dismissalwithdrawn

Withdrawn by claimant

Failure to Inform & Consultwithdrawn

Withdrawn by claimant

Facts

The claimant was employed from November 2021 by Waugh Inns Ltd and TUPE transferred to Fresh Foods Maystor Ltd in November 2023. She was summarily dismissed by reason of redundancy on 7 May 2024 with two years' service, aged 20. The First Respondent entered creditors' voluntary liquidation and failed to pay arrears, notice, and holiday pay. The Second Respondent (Secretary of State) made some payments but based on inaccurate information from the liquidators.

Decision

The tribunal found in favour of the claimant on all contested claims. The First Respondent was ordered to pay £372 for unlawful deduction of wages (one week), £372 for breach of contract (one week's notice), £483.60 for unpaid holiday (1.3 weeks), and £372 statutory redundancy payment. The unfair dismissal and protective award claims were dismissed upon withdrawal.

Practical note

When an insolvent employer fails to pay statutory entitlements, employees can claim against both the insolvent company and the Secretary of State, though accurate information to the Insolvency Service is critical for correct payments.

Award breakdown

Notice pay£372
Holiday pay£484
Arrears of pay£372
Redundancy pay£372

Award equivalent: 4.3 weeks' gross pay

Case details

Case number
3305401/2024
Decision date
11 April 2025
Hearing type
full merits
Hearing days
1
Classification
contested

Respondent

Sector
hospitality
Represented
No

Employment details

Salary band
£15,000–£20,000
Service
2 years

Claimant representation

Represented
Yes
Rep type
lay rep