Worker awarded over £7,000 after equestrian centre failed to pay wages and holiday pay

A short-term worker's fight for unpaid wages

This case shows that even employees with very short service have important legal rights. The former employee worked for Rands Farm Equestrian Centre Ltd for just 15 weeks, but was left significantly out of pocket after the employer failed to pay the full wages owed and did not provide holiday pay or proper pay slips.

What the employer did wrong

The tribunal found that the claimant worked 487 hours at £10 per hour, but was only paid £3,168.80, leaving a shortfall of £1,701.20. In addition, the employer failed to pay holiday pay for the eight days accrued during the 104-day engagement. The respondent also did not provide itemised pay slips for the last 13 weeks of employment, nor a written statement of employment particulars. The employer's conduct throughout the proceedings was described as unreasonable, including failing to comply with tribunal orders and not attending the final hearing.

Why the result matters

This case is a reminder that statutory rights such as the right to a written statement of particulars and itemised pay slips apply from day one of employment. The tribunal also applied a 25% uplift under the ACAS Code of Practice because the employer had no formal grievance procedure and failed to engage with the claimant's complaints. The preparation time order and expenses awarded reflect the additional burden placed on the claimant by the employer's unreasonable behaviour. For workers in similar situations, the key takeaway is that persistence and proper documentation can lead to a successful claim, even against an uncooperative employer.