Mr M Maxwell v SEBIA UK Ltd — 2026

The Claimant brought a claim under section 23 of the Employment Rights Act 1996 in respect of an £830 deduction made by the Respondent to cover the cost of recovering a company vehicle following the termination of his employment. The Respondent's handbook contained an express written term providing that, on termination, the employee must return any company vehicle to the Respondent's premises, failing which the cost of recovery would be deducted from monies outstanding. The Claimant accepted he had received the handbook before the deduction and that the provision formed part of his contract.

The Claimant argued that enforcement was unreasonable given his partner's ill health and childcare responsibilities, that the Respondent had not suggested alternative arrangements, and that during his employment company cars had always been delivered to and collected from his home. Employment Judge S Moore accepted the truth of the Claimant's evidence about his practical difficulties but held that the Respondent was entitled to rely on the contractual term and to regard return of the vehicle as the Claimant's responsibility. The prior practice of home delivery and collection during employment did not vary or waive the handbook provision, because those occasions arose in different circumstances where employment was not terminating.

Accordingly, the claim for unlawful deduction of wages was dismissed.