What to Do If Your Employer Doesn’t Pay You?

If your employer does not pay your wages, what steps should you take?

Not getting paid on time or in full is not only stressful but also a breach of an employee’s employment rights. If you or someone close to you finds themselves in this situation, it’s important to act promptly and understand the options.

Here’s a practical step-by-step guide to help you deal with unpaid wages.

1. Check Your Employment Contract and Payslip

Start by reviewing your employment contract and payslips.

Confirm:

• Your agreed salary or wage
• The payment schedule (e.g., weekly or monthly)
• Any deductions made and whether they are lawful

2. Speak to Your Employer Informally

Sometimes payment issues are due to administrative errors. Raise the issue with your line manager, HR department, or payroll team. Keep a record of these conversations, including dates and who you spoke to.

3. Put Your Complaint in Writing

If informal discussions do not resolve the issue, write a formal letter or email to your employer.

Clearly state:

• The amount you are owed
• The pay period in question
• Any previous attempts you have made to resolve the issue

Keep a copy of this correspondence.

4. Raise a Grievance

If your employer still does not pay you, consider raising a formal grievance under your company’s grievance procedure. This usually involves submitting a written complaint which the employer must investigate and respond to.

5. Contact ACAS for Early Conciliation

Before taking legal action, you must notify Acas (the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) and consider Early Conciliation. This is a free service that helps resolve disputes without going to an employment tribunal. www.acas.org.uk/early-conciliation

You need to complete the ACAS form online within 3 months less one day of the date that payment was due but not received to ensure that your claim is made in time.

ACAS will then make contact with your employer on your behalf to try to resolve the issue for you.

6. Make a Claim to an Employment Tribunal

If the issue remains unresolved, you may file a claim I the Employment Tribunal for unlawful deduction from wages.

Claims must generally be made within 3 months (less one day) from the date of the last unpaid wage.

There is no cost to you to submit a claim.

7. Seek Legal Advice

If you are unsure about your rights or the strength of your claim, we would be happy to have  chat with you and offer a no obligation free telephone call with a lawyer.

Conclusion

You are legally entitled to be paid for the work you do. By following these steps, you can assert your rights and take appropriate action. The earlier you act, the more likely you are to reach a resolution.