Unfair dismissal claim fails but former employee wins £509 for unpaid holiday pay and deductions
A former employee lost their unfair dismissal claim against Plastic Omnium Auto Exteriors but secured £509.26 in a consent order for unauthorised deductions and unpaid holiday pay.
1 min read · Last updated 18 May 2026
Key facts
- The claimant's unfair dismissal complaint failed.
- The respondent admitted owing £107.20 for unauthorised deductions.
- The respondent agreed to pay £402.06 for three days' unpaid holiday pay.
- The total agreed award was £509.26.
Timeline
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Hearing day 1
The tribunal heard the case at Liverpool.
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Hearing day 2
The tribunal continued hearing the case.
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Hearing day 3 and judgment
The tribunal concluded the hearing and issued judgment.
The legal issue
The tribunal had to decide whether the claimant was unfairly dismissed, whether there were unauthorised deductions from wages, and whether holiday pay was owed.
The outcome
The tribunal dismissed the unfair dismissal claim, meaning the former employee did not succeed on that part of their case.
However, the respondent admitted that it had made unauthorised deductions from wages, owing £107.20. It also agreed to pay £402.06 for three days' unpaid holiday pay, including any retrospective increment.
Compensation breakdown:
- Unauthorised deductions: £107.20
- Unpaid holiday pay: £402.06
- Total: £509.26
Lessons & takeaways
- An unfair dismissal claim can fail even if the employer admits other financial claims, so it is important to assess the strength of each part of your case separately.
- If you believe your employer has made unauthorised deductions or not paid holiday pay, you can bring a claim for those specific amounts even if your main dismissal claim is unsuccessful.
- Consent orders can resolve parts of a claim without a full hearing, saving time and costs for both sides.
- Representing yourself is possible, but having legal representation may improve your chances on more complex issues like unfair dismissal.
This case shows that even when an unfair dismissal claim fails, employees can still recover money owed for other issues like unpaid wages or holiday pay. The former employee brought claims for unfair dismissal, unauthorised deductions, and unpaid holiday pay against Plastic Omnium Auto Exteriors. While the unfair dismissal complaint was dismissed, the employer admitted it had made unauthorised deductions and agreed to pay the outstanding holiday pay.
What the employer could have done differently
The employer could have avoided the claims entirely by ensuring all wages and holiday pay were correctly paid in the first place. The unauthorised deductions and unpaid holiday pay were admitted, suggesting a breakdown in payroll processes. A prompt correction might have prevented the need for a tribunal hearing.
Why this matters for similar claims
This case is a reminder that employment tribunal claims can involve multiple issues. Even if the main claim – such as unfair dismissal – is unsuccessful, other claims like unauthorised deductions or holiday pay can succeed. Employees should consider all potential claims when bringing a case, and employers should ensure they comply with their obligations on pay and leave to avoid liability.
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