Advice for my son

[Zeebun1078]

My son worked for a double-glazing company. It initially went well, with him doing direct sales.

However, there were several instances when he was supposed to be collected by a colleague to be taken to work on a patch, and this colleague never showed up. He'd had really good communications with his main boss and they'd offered to pay him for shifts that were missed through no fault of his own.

About 2 weeks ago, after some more failures to collect him, he decided it was time to leave and find something a bit more reliable. He messaged his boss and explained he'd found something else and that he'd enjoyed his time there but it was time to move on. His boss sent a very nice acknowledgement email and we thought that was that.

The following week when he was supposed to be paid some £80, he was paid nothing. He messaged his boss and asked what had happened, that he'd worked 4 rota'd days, and they'd explained that because he'd handed his notice in and not then worked a full week, they had a policy of not paying.

He was never given a contract, and it was a bit of a cowboy outfit, in all truth I think they treated the young lads like they were self-employed - but this feels very exploitative. I wonder if anyone had any experience of something similar and some advice?

Thanks, Matt.

 

[japancool]

For the sake of £80, forget it and move on. And next time, get a contract.

 

[WaveJumper]

Agree with above unfortunately sums up many of the double glazing companies out there, and to be honest I am surprised they bother going round knocking on peoples doors these days

 

[fisicx]

The following week when he was supposed to be paid some £80, he was paid nothing. He messaged his boss and asked what had happened, that he'd worked 4 rota'd days...

£20 per day? Below NMW?

As the others have suggested, there isn't much you can do. They sound like a right bunch of cowboys so the chances of getting the wages are almost zero. Unless you turn up on their door and ask to see this supposed policy.

 

[Lisa Thomas]

@Newchodge

 

[Newchodge]

Contact ACAS and ask for their early conciliation service. He is certainly entitled to be paid for work done - non payment would be a criminal offence under the National Minimum Wage Act. ACAS will, with his permission , contact his ex employer and explain the law. if they still don't pay he can go to the Employment Tribunal. And he can report them to the HMRC minimum wage enforcement department either on 0300 123 1100 or online
gov.uk/government/publications/pay-and-work-
rights-complaints-individuals

As others have said £20 a day does not sound NMW compliant even if it had been paid!

For the future, encourage your son to join a trade union. IF he is not sure which one is appropriate he should contact the regional office of the TUC.