Cases6014659/2024

Claimant v TownsendRestaurant Limited

11 March 2025Before Employment Judge RaoEast Londonremote video

Outcome

Claimant succeeds£3,316

Individual claims

Unlawful Deduction from Wagessucceeded

The tribunal found the respondent made an unauthorised deduction of £2,406.42 from the claimant's wages for the period 1 May 2024 to 4 June 2024 inclusive. The respondent did not attend to defend the claim and had not filed a response.

Holiday Paysucceeded

The tribunal found the respondent made an unauthorised deduction of £789.44 by failing to pay the claimant for holidays accrued but not taken when employment ended on 4 June 2024. The claimant had accrued 6.06 days of holiday during employment from 19 March to 4 June 2024.

Facts

The claimant was employed by the respondent restaurant from 19 March 2024 to 4 June 2024 on a salary of £34,000 per annum. The respondent failed to pay the claimant his wages for May 2024 and early June 2024, having only paid £1,000 of what was due. The respondent also failed to pay accrued holiday pay upon termination of employment. The respondent did not file a response to the claim and did not attend the final hearing.

Decision

The tribunal extended the time limit finding it was not reasonably practicable for the claimant to present in time, and the claim was presented within a reasonable period thereafter. The tribunal found both claims for unauthorised deductions (wages and holiday pay) well-founded and awarded the claimant £3,316.25 including interest at 5%.

Practical note

Where a respondent fails to engage with tribunal proceedings at all, the tribunal can proceed in their absence under Rule 47 and will award unlawful deduction claims based on the claimant's evidence, including statutory interest for financial loss.

Award breakdown

Holiday pay£789
Arrears of pay£2,406
Unpaid wages£2,406
Interest£120

Award equivalent: 5.1 weeks' gross pay

Legal authorities cited

Statutes

ERA 1996 s.23Rule 47 Employment Tribunal Procedure Rules 2024

Case details

Case number
6014659/2024
Decision date
11 March 2025
Hearing type
full merits
Hearing days
1
Classification
contested

Respondent

Sector
hospitality
Represented
No

Employment details

Salary band
£30,000–£40,000
Service
3 months

Claimant representation

Represented
Yes
Rep type
lay rep