Employer Witholding Pay - What Can I Do?

Primrose85

I worked for my previous job for just over a year - full time. They asked for 2 months written notice and thats what they got - however I ended up leaving half way through the second month, as that is what was agreed between my bosses and I. Unfortunately, I made the rooky mistake of going into business with friends - needless to say, they are no longer friends.

The reason I left half way through the last month was because I hurt my back quite badly and was unable to do anything. I was signed off sick for just over a fortnight, and as they were friends I felt it would be the right thing by both of us that I just ended employment there and then. That way they wouldn't have to pay me a more than 2 weeks sick pay, and I could stop worrying about it.

They did not pay me any sick pay at all, and are using a petty excuse as to why they haven't. Apparently their accountants messed up, but I know for a fact they are just burying their heads in the sand. The are persistently ignoring me, and know full well I have had to go a full month with my family on one (low) income. It is coming up to Christmas and I am starting to panic. I just don't know what to do/where to start.

I worked very hard, very long hours for their business. I am devastated I am being treated this way, but two people I trusted and cared for.

Any advice is much appreciated.

InsideInsurance

So is the first paragraph about leaving a two month notice period early totally irrelevant to the issue because its confusing as you say you left early and went to work for friends and then left early due to your back so not sure if thats leaving the first company or leaving working for your friends?

Assuming the first paragraph was background fluff......

Were you an actual employee of your friends rather than self employed?
What was your contractual notice period for the job with friends?
What notice did you actually give? By the sounds of it none
For the "unpaid" time, is this time actually worked or time off sick?
If any was sick what was the sickpay policy?
Were your friends an ltd or partnership or some other form?
What reasons are they giving for not paying?


You would need to submit a written greivance to them about your unpaid hours and if that fails to resolve it then go to an employment tribunal to get the moneys back. If you have legal expenses insurance on your Home Insurance policy they will give you advice and provide representation for you if they feel you have reasonable prospects of success

Primrose85

Thank you for your response. I am sorry that my post was so difficult to understand.

There is only one job in question. I was there for just over a year, employed by friends of mine, contracted etc. They have an LTD company. My contract states I am entitled to full pay during sick leave.

My official leaving date was originally the 30th of September. I ended up leaving on the 17th as it was clear I wouldn't be able to come back. We mutually agreed this would be a good idea = in fact, it was suggested by them.

I did not work at the hotel between the 1st-17th of September due to the issue with my back. I have not received any sick pay, after being told I would. They are currently not answering phone calls from me, ignoring text messages (this is how they usually communicate with staff), not replying to emails. They are giving me no reason as to why they are not coughing up. I am assuming its because they feel bitter about handing over money to me for not actually being at work - neither of them deal well with this from other employees being off before.

I had not realised I could use my home insurance for legal advice so thanks for the suggestion, I will look into it.

InsideInsurance

Legal Expenses (or Family Legal Protection or a number of other names) is an add on to Home Insurance that gives you a legal advice line on almost all issues and will provide representation in certain areas (normally disputes involving property, consumer, employment and an non motor injury) if they believe you have reasonable prospects of success and that the value in dispute is over a nominal amount (normally something liek £100)