Unpaid and unpleased
Question
How long do you have to wait be able to take an employer to court for unpaid wages?
Answer
If your employer has been withholding your wages it's always advisable to try and resolve the problem by talking to your employer first and sort it out between you. It may be a good idea to speak to your employer in the first instance.
If this doesn't work you can take a more formal approach by writing to the company about the issue. If you do this, make sure you keep a copy and send the letter by recorded delivery. In the letter you should state that this is a step one grievance letter and lay out the reason for the grievance.
If all else fails, you can try to get the money by taking the case to the Employment Tribunal (ET). You'll need to do this within 90 days from the time when the wages were not paid. If the wages were unpaid more than 90 days ago, you still have six years in which to take a case to the Courts. Although, if you've started a grievance process you have more time before you have to make an application to the ET.
For more information about dealing with grievances you can download the Citizens Advice Bureau's leaflet about the issue.
You can also find out more from Acas. Acas has a helpline (on 08457 474747) allowing you to talk to someone about your issue in more detail.
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