Several former employees of a catering firm are claiming they are owed thousands of pounds in unpaid wages, according to reports. One former employee, Sonia Garcia Monuz, is among those who allege they are owed outstanding payments.
Chrissy Bell, a senior advisor with Acas, an organization that provides impartial advice on workplace rights and disputes, stated that a failure to receive expected wages can have a significant impact on individuals, particularly those without savings. "If someone is expecting their wages on a certain date and it doesn't arrive or it doesn't arrive in full, then if people haven't got savings, even a small amount of difference can be the difference between them paying their bills and not being able to pay them," Bell explained.
Bell advised that individuals who believe they have not been paid correctly should first ascertain the exact amount they should have received. This involves reviewing payslips, timesheets, and employment contracts. The initial step recommended is to discuss the discrepancy with the employer, as it could be a genuine oversight.
If a direct conversation does not resolve the issue, Bell suggests lodging a formal grievance in writing. This written grievance should include any supporting evidence, such as timesheets, and provide the employer with a reasonable timeframe to respond.
For cases where the dispute remains unresolved internally after a reasonable period, Bell noted that individuals can consider making a claim to an employment tribunal for outstanding wages. "If someone gets an award at an employment tribunal then there are systems in place to help them enforce it if necessary," she added.
Details regarding specific allegations against the employer or the employer's response were not immediately available. However, it is understood that Martha Lindeque, associated with the situation, strongly denies the allegations made by her former staff.