HELP........wages not paid

jillski_2

Pls can someone advise. My OH gave resigned giving his employer 6 weeks notice. His pay should have gone into his account yesterday but didn't. On phoning the wages dept. they advised that they were told not to pay him until he returned all property to the company i.e. a fishing reel which was lent to him by the company owner 5 years ago. ( He can't find it - although knows it is on company premises but because of the way things are stored in the building its in can't look properly). They were witholding the full amount but after several phone calls have now said they will retain £500. What can he do?
Any help much appreciated.

jillie1974

has he contatced CAB they maybe able to help

Bean_Counter

Assuming that the fishing reel was personal property of owner, then that is a personal transaction, nothing to do with business.

There are very, very few cases in which an employer can retain many wages without the employees consent. Ignore the £500 gimmick.

In any event, first thing to do is check contract of employment. I would be astonished if there was anything in there to cover this. Secondly, send a letter to employer (keeping a copy) requesting payment of wages by a certain date. Thirdly, if this does not work, another letter saying if payment of wages not received by certain date, then you'll go to Employee Tribunal. Need to go to Employee Tribunal within three months of wages being withheld.

In any case, contact local CAB. You seem to have a strong case.

jillski_2

Thanks Jillie. He keeps trying but the number's constantly engaged. Wanted to sort out before we go on hol. on Sunday!

jillski_2

Thank you Bean Counter for your very helpful reply. OH is on to it!

myrnahaz

Another one to try is ACAS (number in phone book) - they're pretty hot on employee rights.