Breach of Contract and Unlawful Deduction from Wages Claims

If your employer hasn't paid you what you're owed, we can help. Whether it's missing wages, unpaid bonuses, or unlawful deductions, you’ve got the right to take action, and we’re here to guide you through it. We work with employees across all sectors to challenge contract breaches and recover what’s due. From your first payslip to your last day, your employer must stick to the terms of your contract. If they don’t, you may have a claim.

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For individuals

Breach of Contract and Unlawful Deduction from Wages Claims

Review of contract and pay documents

We’ll review your employment contract, payslips, and communications to check for breaches and assess your claim.

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ACAS Early Conciliation

We draft pre-action letters and start ACAS Early Conciliation to protect time limits and aim for a quick resolution.

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Drafting and lodging pleadings

Preparation of clear Tribunal or court pleadings setting out your legal basis, key facts, and remedies sought.

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Evidence gathering

We’ll prepare and file your claim with precision, outlining the facts and legal basis behind your case. Collating documents such as timesheets, pay records, contracts, and communications.

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Negotiation and settlement

We aim to settle cases quickly and fairly, securing compensation or repayment plans that work for you.

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Enforcement of Judgments and Orders

If a Tribunal or court rules in your favour, we’ll take steps to make sure the award is paid promptly.

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Questions we’re often asked

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What counts as an unlawful deduction from wages?

Any unauthorised deduction non-payment your employer makes without contractual, statutory, or written consent.

What’s the time limit to bring a claim?

For Employment Tribunal claims, it’s three months less one day from the issue. For Court claims, usually six years from breach.

Do I have to go through ACAS first?

Yes, most Tribunal claims require you to start with ACAS Early Conciliation.

What documents should I keep?

Keep your contract, payslips, timesheets, rotas, and any messages or emails that help show what you’re owed.

Can I claim for bonuses, comission, or holiday pay?

Yes, if these are set out in your contract or have been accrued under legal rights such as the Working Time Regulations.

Will I have to attend a hearing?

Many cases settle early. If not, we’ll represent you at Tribunal or Court and guide you through every step of the way.

Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK

Georgia was incredibly helpful throughout the process of reaching a settlement with a previous employer. Georgia took the time to understand my personal situation and provided clear, considerate, and professional guidance at every stage. Her support made a complex process much easier to navigate, and I felt reassured knowing I was in capable hands.

Employment Client

Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK

Chris is a great listener, clear communicator and, in my opinion, a genuinely good, kind human being. I have no hesitation in recommending Blacks in Leeds for any legal matters you may have; you'll be in good hands.

Employment Client

Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK

I have dealt with Chris Allen recently concerning some rather upsetting and extremely delicate matters. Chris and the team have proved to be reassuring, down to earth and absolute consummate professionals.

Employment Client

Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK

Blacks helped us think beyond the sessions by supporting us to consider how the legislative changes translate into day to day behaviours and what this means for our culture in anticipation for our policy to be launched. This has supported follow on training delivery internally surrounding misogyny, misogynoir and trans-misogyny.

Employment Training Client

Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK

We had an excellent experience working with Blacks. From the moment we reached out to request training, they responded quickly and took the time to meet with us early on to understand our needs and the wider organisational context. They were patient and flexible as we worked through our planning.

Employment Training Client

Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK

Ellie was absolutely amazing through the whole process. She made me feel at ease and was very efficient at replying to my emails and queries. I would also like to say a thank you to Jemma who was the first one I engaged with and made me feel comfortable and less anxious.

Employment Client

Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK

I worked with Tom during a very stressful and time-sensitive settlement, and I’m genuinely so grateful for his support. From the start, he was calm, practical and incredibly thorough, which made a huge difference at a point when everything felt overwhelming.

Employment Client

Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK

The service was 11 out of 10! Ellie kept me on the straight and narrow. She navigated the legal side and the emotional side incredibly well. She advised me brilliantly and I couldn’t be happier with that

Employment Client

Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK

Euan Lawrence helped me with a HR issue with a former employee, and I was extremely impressed by his professionalism and the clarity of his advice in translating complex legal ease for the less legally minded individuals such as myself – I would fully recommend.

Employment Client

Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK

Outstanding service from start to finish. The team’s work rate, speed of response, and legal knowledge were second to none. They consistently went above and beyond to get things done efficiently and with care. Special thanks to Richard P and Pete K for their exceptional support – true professionals!

Blacks Client

Experts in every area

Managing Partner

Ellie Broadhurst

Associate Solicitor

Jemma Fieldsend

Georgia Jeonney

Partner and Head of Employment

Graduate Solicitor Apprentice

Partner and Head of Employment

Marcus Pickersgill

Anna Schiavetta

Senior Associate Solicitor

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