Agency withholding wages until supplies returned

Duncan1234

Well, first post here. Long time reader.

I have just this week started a new full time job. Up until last week I was working for a recruitment agency in a factory. They always pay us for the previous week on the following friday. So tomorrow I will be due a weeks pay plus I worked saturday overtime. I should also be entitled to whatever holiday pay I have accrued since I have worked for them over the 6 week period.


I informed them on tuesday (I had taken monday as a holiday as I had a funeral, was contacted by new employed monday to start tuesday) that I would be finishing my employment and I asked if I could have my p45 and holiday pay paid to me.

Just half an hour ago I have had a text from one of the agency representatives that was always on site where I was working (amazon warehouse). Exact text reads "I need all of you issued equipment returned to Amazon in Dunfermline prior to releasing your wage or holiday pay. Thanks ******"

While I can see them not releasing the holiday pay until I return the equipment (high vis vest, safety boots, swipe badge), to not release my wage for tomorrow seems ridiculous and has seriously annoyed me! I have done nothing wrong and I am now being denied my wages.

I am obviously more than happy to return the equipment and will probably do so early next week. I was wondering what the legal situation is here and if I can tell them what they are doing is not legally correct as frankly they have just riled me up for no good reason.

Thanks

Jarndyce

Well, strictly speaking it may not be legal for them to withhold wages, but then strictly speaking it is not legal for you to keep your equipment! So what are you going to do about it - sue each other? No, you are going to hand the stuff back and they are going to pay you. Simples.

scheming_gypsy

it shouldn't really annoy you as you haven't returned company equipment. You've had all week to return it but seeing as they still haven't had it back they've instructed the agency that they're charging them for it, who in turn are charging you for it. When you return it they'll 'refund' you.
While you're deciding to return it sometime next week they're short on equipment for other staff.

McKneff

"I need all of you issued equipment returned to Amazon in Dunfermline prior to releasing your wage or holiday pay. Thanks ******"

This actually doesn't say 'we will not give you your wages etc unless you bring your equipemnt in'
it says we need the equipment back before pay day.

I know that the implication is there but...........their request is fair enough in my opinion

Cant see what the fuss is about, just get the equipemnt to them, job done.

And good luck in your new job.

Duncan1234

Cheers for the replies.

Suppose I am just taking it to seriously. Will have to hope they will be available for me to get the equipment to them over the weekend.

vax2002

Why are they going to give the boots to someone else ?
tell the agency that the items are available to be collected from your home and if they dont pay your wages you will sue.

Jarndyce

vax2002 wrote: »

Why are they going to give the boots to someone else ?
tell the agency that the items are available to be collected from your home and if they dont pay your wages you will sue.

Don't be so bloody stupid.

Acc72

Duncan1234 wrote: »

Cheers for the replies.

Suppose I am just taking it to seriously. Will have to hope they will be available for me to get the equipment to them over the weekend.

I agree with Jarndyce above, however just to be on the safe side make sure you get a receipt when you hand back your equipment.

vax2002

Jarndyce wrote: »

Don't be so bloody stupid.

He has no legal obligation to deliver anything to anyone, they can collect it if they require it, however with holding wages is illegal.

A pair of old used boots ? a 50p hi-viz vest, again used and an id card with his name on.
They are really preventing the company from functioning .
I would post the id card and tell them to send a courier if they want the boots and vest.

McKneff

Jarndyce wrote: »

Don't be so bloody stupid.

:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

Tea all over my computer screen.

magenta22

How far is new place from old place? Can you drop them into them during your lunch?