Unpaid Wages Claim Letter Generator UK

Unpaid wages include wages not paid at all, wages paid less than agreed, wages paid late and still outstanding, and unauthorised deductions such as an unexplained shortfall on a payslip.

Under the Employment Rights Act 1996, an employer cannot deduct from or withhold wages unless the deduction is required by law, agreed in writing in advance, or falls under a specific exception. Non-payment is treated the same way as a deduction.

The usual time limit for an employment tribunal claim for unlawful deduction of wages is 3 months less one day from the date the wages should have been paid, or from the last missed payment if there is a series of deductions.

Acas Early Conciliation is a free, mandatory first step before most employment tribunal claims. You notify Acas, and a conciliator tries to help you reach an agreement with your employer before a claim is lodged.

No. It is an informal request for payment. A tribunal claim needs a separate ET1 form, usually after Acas Early Conciliation.

If there is no response or payment within a reasonable period, commonly around 14 days, the next step is usually to contact Acas for Early Conciliation.

Yes. Leaving a job does not remove your right to wages already earned. The same time limit rules apply from the date the wages were due.

No, the time limit still runs from the date each specific payment was due, whatever your pay frequency.

Add the additional amount field to combine two missed payments into one total. A series of deductions has its time limit measured from the most recent one in the series.

Deductions to recover a genuine payroll error can be lawful in some situations, but your employer normally still needs your written agreement or a specific legal basis. Get advice if this is disputed.

Yes. The right not to suffer unauthorised deductions applies to workers as well as employees, which includes most agency and zero-hours arrangements.

A different route may apply through the Insolvency Service Redundancy Payments Service rather than a claim against the employer directly. Get advice on which route fits your situation.

There is currently no fee to lodge most employment tribunal claims in England, Scotland and Wales. Always confirm the current position before proceeding.

Yes. Keep payslips, your contract, messages with your employer, and a copy of this letter and any reply you receive.

No. This tool provides an estimate and a draft letter only. It is not legal, tax, financial, or employment advice. Contact Acas, Citizens Advice, a trade union, or an employment solicitor for advice on your specific situation.