Unpaid wages, unlawful deductions, overtime, commission or outstanding holiday pay — your employer must pay for your work. You can often recover what you are owed.
What it covers
Unpaid salary, unlawful deductions from wages, unpaid overtime and commission, pay for untaken holiday, and notice pay.
Unlawful deductions
Your employer generally cannot deduct from your wages without your written agreement or a contractual basis. Such deductions can often be challenged.
Time limit to claim
Generally you have 3 months less one day from the event to start a claim in the Employment Tribunal. ACAS early conciliation can extend this. Deadlines are strict — act quickly.
Mandatory step: ACAS Early Conciliation
Before a claim reaches the Employment Tribunal you must notify ACAS (Early Conciliation) — a formal requirement, not an option. ACAS issues a certificate with a number; without it the tribunal will reject the claim. The conciliation period pauses the three-months-less-one-day clock, so the real deadline is often later than the event date alone suggests.
What evidence matters
The strongest evidence is created at the time: your contract, the written dismissal letter stating the reason, emails and messages, minutes of disciplinary meetings, payslips, and any grievance procedure record. A phone photo is enough — legibility and dates are what count.
How it works
Fill in the short form and attach your documents (contract, correspondence, dismissal letter, payslips) — you can take a phone photo. We'll assess your case for free and contact you, usually within 1–2 business days.
Frequently asked questions
Does it cost anything to submit?
No. Submitting and the initial assessment are free and no-obligation (no-win no-fee — details agreed if we take the case).
How long do I have to claim?
Usually 3 months less one day from the event; ACAS early conciliation can extend it. Get in touch as soon as possible.
Do I have to contact ACAS first?
Yes. Notifying ACAS (Early Conciliation) is mandatory before filing an Employment Tribunal claim. ACAS issues a certificate with a number — without it the tribunal rejects the claim. We handle this for you if we take your case.
Can I claim while still working for the employer?
Yes. Many claims — discrimination, unpaid wages, unlawful deductions — do not require your employment to have ended. The law also prohibits retaliation for asserting your rights (victimisation).
Am I owed holiday pay?
If you leave with untaken holiday, you are usually owed pay for it. This often applies to agency and casual workers too.
What documents help?
Payslips, your contract, bank statements and correspondence with your employer. You can add them as phone photos.
The above is general information, not legal advice. Every case is different and time limits are strict — contact us as soon as possible so you don't lose your right to claim.