Unlawful deductions from wages
Claims about wages withheld or deducted without lawful basis.
Under construction
This page is under construction. The route and basic structure are live, but fuller content is still being added.
Overview
This page explains unlawful deductions from wages claims in plain English, including deductions, withheld pay, and common employer defences.
Common examples
- The employer deducts pay for shortages, errors, training, or alleged overpayments.
- Wages are withheld after resignation, suspension, or a dispute about hours worked.
- The parties disagree about whether there was a contractual right to deduct.
What tribunals often look at
- What sums were due and when.
- Whether the deduction was authorised by law, contract, or prior written consent.
- Whether the records support the amount claimed.
Timing note
Pay dates, deduction dates, and any series-of-deductions argument can materially affect what remains claimable.