Employer who failed to attend hearing ordered to pay £2,898 for unpaid wages and holiday pay
A former employee of Medrescue 24 Limited has won £2,898 after the company failed to attend a tribunal hearing and was found to have made unlawful deductions from wages and not paid holiday entitlement.
1 min read · Last updated 18 May 2026
Case details
Key facts
- The claimant brought claims for unfair dismissal, unlawful deduction from wages, and holiday pay.
- The respondent did not attend the hearing and was not represented.
- The unfair dismissal claim was struck out.
- The claim for unlawful deduction from wages succeeded, with an award of £2,268.
- The claim for holiday pay succeeded, with an award of £630.
- Other claims for excess of £50, loans, and financial stress were dismissed.
Timeline
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Hearing
The hearing took place by telephone before Employment Judge Cline. The respondent did not attend.
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Judgment issued
Employment Judge Cline issued the judgment, striking out the unfair dismissal claim and awarding £2,268 for unlawful deduction from wages and £630 for holiday pay.
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Judgment sent to parties
The written judgment was sent to the parties.
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Certificate of Correction
Employment Judge Cline corrected the claimant's name from Megan North to Morgan North.
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Corrected judgment sent
The corrected judgment was sent to the parties.
The legal issue
The tribunal had to decide whether Medrescue 24 Limited unlawfully deducted wages and failed to pay holiday pay, and whether the claimant was unfairly dismissed.
The outcome
The tribunal struck out the unfair dismissal claim, but found in favour of the former employee on the claims for unlawful deduction from wages and holiday pay. The respondent did not attend the hearing, so the tribunal proceeded under Rule 21.
- Unlawful deduction from wages: £2,268
- Holiday pay: £630
- Total award: £2,898
- Other claims (excess of £50, loans, financial stress) were dismissed.
Lessons & takeaways
- If you are bringing a claim for unpaid wages or holiday pay, ensure you have clear evidence of the amounts owed and any contractual terms.
- Employers who fail to attend tribunal hearings risk a default judgment against them, which can result in an award being made without their input.
- Claims for unfair dismissal may be struck out if they are not properly presented or if the claimant does not pursue them effectively.
A case of non-attendance and default judgment
This case shows what can happen when an employer fails to engage with tribunal proceedings. Medrescue 24 Limited did not attend the hearing and was not represented, leaving the tribunal to decide the claims based on the evidence presented by the former employee. The tribunal struck out the unfair dismissal claim but upheld claims for unlawful deduction from wages and unpaid holiday pay, awarding a total of £2,898.
What the employer could have done differently
Had Medrescue 24 Limited attended the hearing or instructed a representative, they could have challenged the claims or provided their own evidence. By not participating, they lost the opportunity to defend against the allegations. The tribunal proceeded under Rule 21, which allows it to make a judgment when one party fails to attend.
Why this matters for similar claims
For employees pursuing claims for unpaid wages or holiday pay, this case highlights the importance of presenting clear evidence. It also shows that tribunals will act decisively when employers fail to engage. However, the striking out of the unfair dismissal claim serves as a reminder that not all claims will succeed, and it is important to focus on those with solid legal and factual foundations.
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