Promised a salary but paid less?

TugaGirl

Hi there,

I was wondering if someone could give me some advice and perspective before I go any further with this, in case I'm wrong!
I applied for a part time, temporary job over the Halloween period. It was to work for 13 nights over a 4 week period. When I first saw the job vacancy advertised I emailed them and asked for more details. I was advised the working hours would be from 5.30pm to midnight and I would get a flat fee of £50 per night. At the interview stage I was once more advised of the working hours and the flat of £50. At this point I was told that some nights I would probably finish earlier then midnight, but the money was per night, therefore wouldn't change. The contract signed also stated that the salary rate was £50 daily. During the 13 nights we were asked to record our start times and finish, but I assumed it was for their records only.
However, now that the job is finished my P45 states that I was paid hourly at 7.69 per hour. Looking at the amount of hours paid, they went on the hours recorded. £50 divided by 6.5 hours is 7.69 per hour therefore it's all correct, but can they tell me they will pay per night but then pay per hour? There were a few nights when they just sent a few of us home randomly, etc. It's frustrating because I had to arrange and pay for childcare per night, as I didn't know if and when I would finish early, etc.
Am I wrong in being a little angry about this?
What shall I do? I have emailed them but haven't got an response yet.

t0rt0ise

If you've got something in writing, the email sent you maybe, then you could threaten them with small claims court. How much are you owed? £50 a night for 13 nights is £650. What did you get?

TugaGirl

I got 441 after tax, so about £100 less..
Small claims court costs about £50, don't know if it would be worth it.. 😔

lincroft1710

TugaGirl wrote: »

I got 441 after tax, so about £100 less..
Small claims court costs about £50, don't know if it would be worth it.. 😔

It's only worth it if you have written proof that you were promised £50 a night.

P.S. I think your signature needs updating!

TugaGirl

I have the email sent which states the salary is £50 per night. It was in the interview however, that it was stated that even if we left early we would still get the same money.

kerri_gt

Why not try phoning them instead of stewing waiting for an email reply?

[Deleted User]

OP Would you have found out if you hadn't received a P45? just interested as I have an ex employer who is very aloof with providing one of employment that ended nearly a month ago, I received pay and am left with no idea whether it's right or wrong, for yourself I wonder if you might have another pay run as it were

TugaGirl

I decided to email as I know how having writing confirmation (or not) can often be a decisive factor.

In this case,yes, I knew the payment was not right as soon as I got it. Reason being was due to knowing how much per night and how many nights I was doing. It should have always been around the 550 mark after tax.

piglet25

If it was a well known theme park then forget it, you will get nowhere

lincroft1710

Does the e-mail contain the words "pro rata" or similar such phrase?

TugaGirl

Hi.
No, it states per night. I can't remember exactly what the contract said though.