Claimant v Investique Grp Ltd T/a Investique — 2024

The Claimant, a litigant in person, brought a claim for non-payment of wages during her employment as a PA to the Respondent's director between 1 September 2023 and 14 April 2024, together with consequential losses. The Respondent failed to enter a Response, did not apply to do so out of time within the period set by the Tribunal at an earlier case management hearing, and did not appear at the full merits hearing. The Tribunal was satisfied the Respondent was aware of the hearing and proceeded in its absence, hearing evidence on oath from the Claimant and considering a bundle of documents she supplied.

On the evidence, the Tribunal found that the Claimant was employed on an annual salary of £55,000 but received only £2,450 in total across five small payments between February and April 2024. Contemporaneous text and email correspondence showed the Claimant repeatedly chased payment and the director responded with promises and assurances without disputing that the wages were owed. The Tribunal found the Claimant was entitled to unpaid net salary plus one week's statutory notice pay, totalling £26,478.77 less the £2,450 paid, leaving £24,028.77 net owing.

The Tribunal further found that the non-payment caused the Claimant to incur bank overdraft charges and late payment fees of £335.27, and that she had been forced to return to Germany, incurring removal costs of £588 and airfare of £280.49, totalling £868.49 in consequential losses. Judgment was given for the Claimant under section 23 of the Employment Rights Act 1996 in the sum of £24,028.77 plus consequential losses of £1,203.76.