Unfair dismissal, holiday pay and unpaid wages: former employee awarded over £16,000
A former employee was unfairly dismissed by Kiren Foods Limited and awarded £16,278.86 for unfair dismissal, holiday pay and unpaid wages.
1 min read · Last updated 18 May 2026
Key facts
- The claimant was unfairly dismissed by the respondent.
- The claimant succeeded in claims for holiday pay and unpaid wages.
- The respondent dismissed the claimant in breach of contract.
- The total award was £16,278.86, with a prescribed element of £9,252.61.
Timeline
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Start of prescribed element period
The prescribed element period for recoupment of benefits begins.
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First day of hearing
The employment tribunal hearing commenced via CVP.
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Second day of hearing
The hearing concluded and judgment was given orally.
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Judgment date
Employment Judge Shergill signed the written judgment.
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Judgment sent to parties
The written judgment was sent to the parties.
The legal issue
The tribunal had to decide whether the former employee was unfairly dismissed and whether he was owed holiday pay and unpaid wages.
The outcome
The tribunal ruled in favour of the former employee, finding that he was unfairly dismissed. It also upheld his claims for holiday pay and unpaid wages.
- Basic award: £3,264.00
- Compensatory award: £11,890.42
- Holiday pay: £2,192.00 (net)
- Unpaid wages: £1,570.25 (net)
- Total: £16,278.86
Lessons & takeaways
- Employers should ensure they follow a fair procedure before dismissing an employee, including giving warnings and an opportunity to improve.
- Employees are entitled to be paid for accrued but untaken holiday on termination, and for all hours worked.
- If an employer dismisses in breach of contract, the employee may claim damages for loss of notice pay.
- Keep accurate records of holiday and wages to avoid disputes.
What this case shows in practice
This case demonstrates that employees can successfully challenge unfair dismissal and recover unpaid holiday pay and wages. The former employee of Kiren Foods Limited was dismissed without a fair process and was also owed money for holiday and work already performed. The tribunal awarded a total of £16,278.86, including a basic award of £3,264 and a compensatory award of £11,890.42, plus separate awards for holiday pay and unpaid wages.
What the losing side could have done differently
Kiren Foods Limited could have avoided this outcome by following a proper disciplinary or capability procedure before dismissing the employee. They should have given the employee a chance to respond to concerns and considered alternatives to dismissal. Additionally, they should have paid all wages and holiday pay due, which would have prevented the successful claims for those amounts.
Why the result matters for similar claims
This case reinforces that tribunals will uphold claims for unfair dismissal where the employer fails to act reasonably. It also confirms that employees are entitled to payment for accrued holiday and unpaid wages, regardless of the dismissal. The award of over £16,000 shows that such claims can result in significant compensation, especially when multiple heads of claim succeed.
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