Cases2501662/2024

Claimant v Secret Garden Café (Hull) Limited

2 April 2025Before Employment Judge L RobertsonNewcastleremote video

Outcome

Claimant succeeds£3,236

Individual claims

Unlawful Deduction from Wagessucceeded

The tribunal found the respondent made an unauthorised deduction from the claimant's wages for the period worked between 27 April and 12 June 2024 inclusive. The respondent did not attend the hearing to defend the claim, and the claimant succeeded in proving the deduction was unauthorised.

Othersucceeded

The tribunal found that when proceedings were begun, the respondent was in breach of its duty to provide the claimant with a written statement of employment particulars under section 38 Employment Act 2002. The tribunal awarded two weeks' gross pay as there were no exceptional circumstances to prevent an award.

Facts

The claimant worked for the respondent café between at least 27 April and 12 June 2024. The respondent failed to pay the claimant wages for this period and failed to provide a written statement of employment particulars. The respondent did not attend or defend the hearing.

Decision

The tribunal found both claims well-founded. The respondent was ordered to pay £2,601.04 in unpaid wages and £634.56 (two weeks' gross pay) for failure to provide written employment particulars, totalling £3,235.60.

Practical note

Employers who fail to attend tribunal hearings face default judgments, and failure to provide basic employment particulars carries a mandatory minimum penalty of two weeks' pay when combined with successful claims.

Award breakdown

Unpaid wages£2,601

Legal authorities cited

Statutes

Employment Act 2002 s.38

Case details

Case number
2501662/2024
Decision date
2 April 2025
Hearing type
full merits
Hearing days
1
Classification
contested

Respondent

Sector
hospitality
Represented
No

Employment details

Claimant representation

Represented
No