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All Legal Journeys
Employment Law
UK-wide
5 stages
6–12 months
Reviewed 2026-05-22
Unpaid wages claim journey
Employment Tribunal claim for unlawful deduction from wages under s.13 ERA 1996.
Who Uses This Journey
Workers and employees whose employer has failed to pay wages, holiday pay, commission, or notice pay.
Stage-by-Stage Timeline
1
1
Identify the deduction
Section 13(1) ERA 1996 — any deduction not authorised by statute, contract, or written consent is unlawful.
Evidence Needed
- Contract
- Payslips
- Working time records
- Correspondence
2
2
Raise with the employer
Send a written demand identifying the deduction and amount. Many claims settle here.
3
3
ACAS Early Conciliation
Mandatory.
Deadline: 3 months less 1 day from the deduction (or last in a series)
4
4
ET1
Submit claim. Statutory cap of 2 years' back-pay for series of deductions.
Forms at This Stage
5
5
Hearing and remedy
Tribunal can order payment of the deduction in full.
Possible Outcomes
- Deduction ordered to be paid
- Interest
- Recovery of fees if appropriate