A Papa John's franchise employee was fired after refusing to be paid cash-in-hand and instead insisting on having taxes and National Insurance deductions properly accounted for, an employment tribunal has ruled.
Ashwani Kumar, a former manager at a Papa John's branch in Harlow, Essex, was dismissed for requesting itemized payslips with correct tax and National Insurance deductions. He had discovered that the payslips he was initially given were fraudulent after contacting HMRC.
Kumar began working at the Papa John's franchise in February 2023 and was asked to accept cash-in-hand payment from the outset. He refused this arrangement, stating his desire to ensure the correct amount of tax and National Insurance was paid to the authorities. His employers, EEM London and EEM Holdings, along with franchise owner Abdul Sattar Askar, have been successfully sued by Kumar for automatic unfair dismissal, unlawful deduction of wages, and failure to pay holiday pay.
After returning from a holiday in January 2025, Kumar was informed that his position at the Harlow store was no longer available. He was offered a transfer to another Papa John's location, but only if he agreed to be paid cash-in-hand. Kumar refused this condition, leading to police being called to escort him from the premises.
During his tenure, Kumar was also unable to take paid holidays and did not receive any holiday pay. Furthermore, he did not receive his wages for December 2024.
Judge Julia Jones ruled that Kumar's dismissal was a direct result of his insistence on receiving itemized payslips, having his tax and National Insurance deducted and documented, and being paid for holidays with the right to take them. The employers did not attend the tribunal hearing or present a defense.
A subsequent hearing will determine the compensation Kumar is entitled to. Papa John's has been contacted for comment.