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Pay Deductions. what can a previous employer deduct from owed wages?

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Hi guys, new here!

I think this may be the best place to ask.

So basically I was employed by a certain company on the 22nd of July and was finished up by them on the 7th of August, for some reason...

Now at the end of July I correctly received about 7 days pay and I was expecting my final pay, which is only about 4 days worth to come at the end of August. It did not and I contacted my previous employer to ask why this was. His reasoning was that I made a major mistake, it cost him "thousands", and that's why he let me go. Now, when I found out I was being let go I was told it was because "something wasn't clicking". He explained what I had apparently done wrong (which I have no recollection of actually doing) and used this as his reasoning for not paying me.

I informed him that I believed this was illegal to deduct my pay since I was under no agreement that this could be done. He then proceeded to hang up on me.

Sorry this might seem a bit long but my questions are; Was I right by saying it was unlawful to hold back my pay? Can employers deduct wages without there being an agreement that it could happen in place? And any other general advice on how to deal with this guy.

Thanks for any help in advance

Ryan

Comments

  • Yes its unlawful
    No they cannot
    Small claims court as an employment tribunal is to expensive. You need to do a letter before action first requesting payment. Its unlikely he won't pay before court because its a relatively small amount.
    Don't trust a forum for advice. Get proper paid advice. Any advice given should always be checked
  • Yes its unlawful
    No they cannot
    Small claims court as an employment tribunal is to expensive. You need to do a letter before action first requesting payment. Its unlikely he won't pay before court because its a relatively small amount.

    Thanks. Just wanted to make sure I was within my rights to say so and it was correct. I have a letter ready to send. I'll see how it goes after I send that
  • RyanAC91 wrote: »
    Thanks. Just wanted to make sure I was within my rights to say so and it was correct. I have a letter ready to send. I'll see how it goes after I send that

    Did you have written particulars about notice because if you did that can be added. IF you didn't then there is no notice for under 1 month.
    Don't trust a forum for advice. Get proper paid advice. Any advice given should always be checked
  • Did you have written particulars about notice because if you did that can be added. IF you didn't then there is no notice for under 1 month.
    I assume you're asking if I had anything in writing to say how much notice I would get before redundancy? If so, I did not. There's was no contract or anything of the sorts.
  • RyanAC91 wrote: »
    I assume you're asking if I had anything in writing to say how much notice I would get before redundancy? If so, I did not. There's was no contract or anything of the sorts.

    then no notice I'm afraid.
    Don't trust a forum for advice. Get proper paid advice. Any advice given should always be checked
  • Kayalana99
    Kayalana99 Posts: 3,626 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker I've been Money Tipped!
    then no notice I'm afraid.

    It wasn't notice it was actal work though he was waiting to get paid for.
    People don't know what they want until you show them.
  • Kayalana99 wrote: »
    It wasn't notice it was actal work though he was waiting to get paid for.

    I got that thanks, I was mentioning it to see if he could ask for anymore money but whilst we are it, Ryan you have worked two weeks, you would at least be entitled to some holiday pay (maybe half a day or something) May as well chuck that in the pot.
    Don't trust a forum for advice. Get proper paid advice. Any advice given should always be checked
  • Thanks for all the help guys. I received a letter from my former employer today and what he mentioned in the letter is completely irrelevant to not paying me... He's trying his hardest not to give my wages. I'll get in touch with citizens advice and see where to take it from there.

    I'll keep you all posted
  • patman99
    patman99 Posts: 8,532 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker Photogenic
    bare in mind that the costs for a Small Claims Court action can amount to over £250 (if you win, you ex-boss will have to pay these on top of your owed wages).
    Never Knowingly Understood.

    Member #1 of £1,000 challenge - £13.74/ £1000 (that's 1.374%)

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