Ms S Zhao v Womens One World Limited — 2025

The Claimant, Ms S Zhao, worked for the Respondent between 1 November 2022 and 25 February 2024 under an unwritten arrangement. Following her resignation, she brought complaints including unpaid wages, written particulars and holiday pay; by the time of the Final Hearing she pursued only a claim for compensation for accrued but untaken holiday, with the central issue being whether she was a worker or an independent contractor under the Working Time Regulations 1998. The Respondent did not attend the hearing on 18 July 2025, and the Tribunal proceeded under Rule 47 using the Respondent's written representations.

Applying the statutory questions and authorities including Bates van Winkelhof v Clyde and Co LLP and James v Redcats (Brands) Ltd, the Tribunal found there was an unwritten express contract requiring personal service, and that the Claimant was not in business on her own account. The Tribunal identified a relationship of considerable subordination, citing Dr Lall's control over the Claimant's hours and time, and noted she was presented as an integrated part of the Respondent's organisation. The dominant purpose of the contract was for the Claimant to provide support services to Dr Lall as founder and director.

The Tribunal concluded the Claimant was a worker for the purposes of the 1998 Regulations. Applying 12.07% to the hours worked (which the Respondent had not disputed), the Claimant was owed £877.05 gross, and the Respondent was ordered to pay that sum. The unpaid wages complaint was dismissed upon the Claimant's withdrawal.