I was working to survive and I wasn’t paid
Workers Speak Out: The Struggle to Recover Unpaid Wages
Constantvpn.com – When an employer simultaneously serves as human resources, handles grievances, and controls payroll, employees can find themselves in a difficult position. Three individuals have shared their stories with the BBC about being denied money they rightfully earned through their labor. Their collective message is clear: they simply want compensation for their hard work.
A Rising Tide of Wage Disputes
Recent data reveals a growing trend in workplace payment issues. According to Acas, the independent organization dedicated to resolving employment conflicts, early conciliation cases related to unpaid wages increased by approximately 17 percent between 2024 and 2025. The statistics further indicate that nearly half of all hospitality sector employees—specifically 49 percent—encounter difficulties at their places of work.
Sonia Garcia Monuz: Working to Survive
Sonia Garcia Monuz is among numerous staff members attempting to reclaim funds she believes Viking Catering Ltd owes her. The Berkshire-based company employed her as a full-time chef beginning in June 2024. Initially, her experience was positive during the first six months. However, following multiple disagreements with the company owner, she submitted her resignation and departed in August 2025.
Sonia maintains that she never received her final paycheck and is currently owed £2,300. She emphasizes that she is not alone in this situation.
“A lot of us are waiting for our wages to pay our bills,” she explains. “Some people don’t have savings. I was working to survive… I had to use my credit card in order to pay my rent and I had to ask for money from my family.”
Although Sonia has filed a claim with Acas to recover her funds, she describes the process of pursuing payment as emotionally draining and leaves her feeling powerless.
Joan Fullbrook: Retirement Delayed by Unpaid Wages
Joan Fullbrook had anticipated enjoying a peaceful retirement, but instead finds herself still pursuing money she believes is rightfully hers. She previously worked for Chef2Table Ltd, another catering enterprise owned by Martha Lindeque, a businesswoman based in Hampshire.
“I worked hard every day in that kitchen and that was how I was repaid. It makes me sick to be treated this way,” Joan states.
Employment tribunal documentation confirms that Joan successfully won a case against Chef2Table Ltd for unauthorized deductions from her wages after departing the company. Nevertheless, she reports that the organization never disbursed the £1,498 she was awarded.
“When you’re working to live, these aren’t small sums of money. It wasn’t for luxuries, it was to survive. I was working to pay my bills,” Joan adds.
Joan is currently pursuing the outstanding amount through the county courts system.
George Weal: A Young Worker’s Stress
George Weal was just 21 years old when he began his employment at Chef2Table Ltd, and he too is owed money. He left the company within a few months after learning that the food van he operated for deliveries was neither taxed nor insured—a fact he claims he was completely unaware of and which could have resulted in losing his driving license.
George reports receiving no final wages after his departure and felt overwhelmed while attempting to recover what was owed to him. Tribunal records indicate he was awarded £1,052 in January 2025 for unpaid wages, yet the company never made payment.
“It was just really stressful. Especially for someone of my age,” he reflects. “I had the backing of parents in that financial sense, but some people don’t, and could end up in a really bad situation with the loss of money.”
Expert Guidance from Acas
Chrissy Bell, a senior advisor at Acas with ten years of experience on their helpline, provides free and impartial guidance to both workers and employers regarding workplace rights and disputes.
“If someone is expecting their wages on a certain date and it doesn’t arrive or it doesn’t arrive in full, then if people haven’t got savings, even a small amount of difference can be the difference between them paying their bills and not being able to pay them,” Chrissy explains.
Her recommended approach for workers who believe they have not received proper payment begins with calculating the correct amount owed by reviewing payslips, timesheets, and employment contracts. The initial step involves speaking directly with employers, as genuine errors may have occurred. If this proves unsuccessful, submitting a formal written grievance with supporting evidence and allowing reasonable time for a response is advised. Should internal resolution fail, pursuing an employment tribunal claim becomes the next logical step.
“If someone gets an award at an employment tribunal then there are systems in place to help them enforce it if necessary,” she notes.
Martha Lindeque declined to offer an official statement, though the BBC has gathered information regarding her involvement in these matters.
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