Unpaid wages, notice pay, and holiday pay: default judgment against AAQUA LIMITED
Two former employees of AAQUA LIMITED were awarded over £24,000 after the company failed to respond to claims for unpaid wages, notice pay, and accrued holiday pay.
1 min read · Last updated 18 May 2026
Case details
- #unauthorised-deduction
- #breach-of-contract
- #notice-pay
- #accrued-holiday-pay
- #default-judgment
Key facts
- The respondent failed to present a valid response to the claims.
- Mr Forshaw was not paid his August wages of £7,083.33.
- Mr Forshaw was dismissed without notice and awarded £7,083.33 in lieu of notice.
- Mr Forshaw had 7.5 days accrued annual leave unpaid, awarded £1,746.57.
- Mrs Anwar was not paid her August wages of £6,741.
- Mrs Anwar was dismissed without notice and awarded £6,741 in lieu of notice.
- Mrs Anwar had 11 days accrued annual leave unpaid, awarded £2,438.
Timeline
-
Unauthorised deduction from wages
Both claimants were not paid their wages for August 2022.
-
Dismissal without notice
Both claimants were dismissed in breach of contract without receiving notice pay.
-
Judgment issued
Employment Judge KM Ross issued a default judgment ordering payment of arrears, notice pay, and holiday pay.
The legal issue
Whether the respondent made unauthorised deductions from wages, dismissed in breach of contract without notice, and failed to pay accrued holiday pay.
The outcome
The tribunal ruled in favour of the former employees, awarding a total of £24,489.23.
- Mr Forshaw: £7,083.33 for unpaid August wages, £7,083.33 for notice pay, and £1,746.57 for 7.5 days' accrued holiday pay.
- Mrs Anwar: £6,741 for unpaid August wages, £6,741 for notice pay, and £2,438 for 11 days' accrued holiday pay.
Lessons & takeaways
- Employers must respond to tribunal claims on time or risk a default judgment ordering full payment.
- Failure to pay wages, notice pay, and holiday pay can result in significant compensation orders.
- Employees can claim for multiple breaches in one claim, including unpaid wages, notice pay, and holiday pay.
What this case shows
This case demonstrates the consequences when an employer fails to engage with employment tribunal proceedings. AAQUA LIMITED did not submit a valid response to claims brought by two former employees, leading to a default judgment. The tribunal ordered the company to pay over £24,000 in total for unpaid wages, notice pay, and accrued holiday pay.
What the employer could have done differently
Had AAQUA LIMITED responded to the claims, they could have presented their side of the story and potentially reduced the amount awarded. By ignoring the proceedings, they lost the opportunity to defend the allegations or negotiate a settlement. Employers facing tribunal claims should always seek legal advice and respond promptly.
Why this matters
For employees, this case highlights that tribunals can enforce basic employment rights even when the employer does not participate. The awards covered wages for August 2022, notice pay for dismissal without notice, and holiday pay accrued but not taken. It serves as a reminder that employers must meet their obligations to pay wages, provide notice, and honour holiday entitlements.
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