representing himself For the v Mr Asghar, Human Resources Manager, A to B Luton RESERVED WRITTEN — 2025

The claimant brought claims for unpaid holiday pay under the Working Time Regulations 1998 and for unauthorised deductions from wages under the Employment Rights Act 1996. He was employed from 8 November 2023 to 22 April 2024 as a vehicle cleaner. On the holiday pay claim, the parties largely agreed the figures; the tribunal additionally found that a day of holiday should be paid at the same rate (£126) as a day of work rather than at 8 hours, adding £14 for 29 March 2024 to the agreed £1,474.20, giving £1,488.20.

On the unauthorised deductions claim, the respondent had deducted £374.86 from the claimant's wages to cover replacement of a vehicle key barrel and lock for vehicle OY19 NTA, relying on a signed Vehicle Damage agreement. The tribunal accepted that the signed document in principle authorised deductions for lost company property, but the issue was whether the claimant had in fact lost the keys. Preferring the claimant's evidence where it differed from that of Mr Asghar, the judge found that the claimant kept his own list of vehicles cleaned, that other staff (including the shunter) also handled keys during the relevant shift, and that no investigation had been carried out before the deductions were made.

The tribunal placed no weight on an email dated 8 January 2024 said to be from Ms Rees notifying the claimant of the alleged negligence, finding it not reliable given it was sent to an incorrect email address, was not produced in earlier bundles, and the absence of any bounce-back follow-up. The judge concluded the claimant was never told of the allegation and did not lose the keys, and was entitled to repayment of £374.86. Total sum payable, including holiday pay, was £1,863.06 gross. The claimant asked that no interest be added for religious reasons.