My 18 year old hasn't been paid for her summer job.

[Espana12]

DD turned 18 in July and has been working for 1-2 days a week in August for a local business. It's a kids holiday workshop business with a shop front on the high street and it's been there for around 10 years.

DD worked all the days/hours asked (4-5 hour shifts per day - no lunch break, twice a week) was 5 minutes late on 2 occasions but otherwise very good at her job. She has worked with children before and enjoys it.

The business owner interviewed DD in May and offered her summer work there and then. The details (salary, hours) were worked out over text in July.

The owner told her she pays wages at month end, but it's now several days over and despite a couple of text messages, DD hasn't received anything (nor a reply to her texts). What would you do? I'm inclined to let DD handle this herself initially but feel DH and I may need to support. The outstanding wages are around £650.

If they’re not replying to your DD then I think you’d be right to step in.

If it's not forthcoming early next week could you go into the shop with her to speak to the manager, for moral support?

What does she have in writing?

As she is a new adult, I I would definately go with her to the business premises and ask where her wages are.

I wonder if ACCAS can get involved or advise you? Hope this is sorted for her op

My dc had this.

it was honestly a bit of a nightmare. I let him try to resolve it himself but eventually had to step in and he resigned over it - and we both understood why they could never keep staff!

paying your staff is pretty basic

All she has in writing is her chain of text messages with the owner. They include DD going in for an interview, her follow up questions about hours and dates, hourly rate etc, and then more recently the days she was being asked to work.

Is anyone up on employer obligations in terms of employing young people? It seems it’s cash (bank transfer, if it ever happens) and no written agreement as such. I don’t think the owner has even asked for her personal details (DOB, address etc).

Are you sure they don’t pay a month behind, so August hours paid at the end of September?

This happened to DH as a teen. He had a summer job cleaning cars in a showroom. Hard work, long days then no wages!
His dad went round with him. They paid on the spot.
Sounds so unfair and hopefully they won’t want bad publicity. Well done to your DD finding and getting a job. Hope you sort it soon.

Letter Before Action, and a small claims (fast track) to follow.

Why mess around and waste any more time ?

Fairly basic, but has your DD provided her bank details? Was she asked for proof of ID as if the employer didn't establish her right to work then they're breaking the law.

Are the only open in school holidays? Can you ‘call in as you’re passing’ with her to enquire about the wages and speak to them in person. They might be a bit more on it if you’re asking questions whilst they have paying customers present.

That's terrible. I would go with her to the buisness as soon as you are able. Even if you just stand outside.
I have two children similar age and I would definitely be making sure she was given the money owed. That's alot of money for her.

Second this.

Does she have an actual date of expected payment? Teen dd submits her timesheet on the last day of the month and pay date is the 8th of the next month. It threw us the first month as well.

i’d get DD to role play how she could speak with them face to face.

then go in with her next time they’re open. Stand to one side while she has the conversation.

Then step in if they’re fobbing her off. Tell them you’re prepared to help DD to start a small claims case if necessary.

it will do her good to try to solve it herself. But some people take advantage of young people, so having you there might prevent her from being exploited.

Acas- unlawful deduction of wages claim.

This is a far easier route than small claims and is free. Conciliator will contact them on your daughter's behalf.

Surely she should have been CRB checked too, to be employed with children like that 😬

I might drop that into conversation as well - it sounds like she's a very dodgy employer. I'd mention that I would be checked with hmrc as well to make sure there's no issues with her tax code etc...

Step in and advise the owner that she is breaking the law. Then report it to HMRC. I absolutely hate people taking advantage of kids like this. Vile behaviour.

Happened to me as a teenager, my dad sorted it out.

It’s frustrating as DD leaves for Uni in a few days’ time and this was her money for things like freshers week, buying a few things for her room in halls. She wasn’t asked to show ID at any point. They don’t even have DD’s address.

The kids workshops run after school during term time so there would be scope to pop in one day, but DD will have left for Uni by the time they restart. I’ve got no issue with going in alone.

I’m cross with the owner. I felt her comms over text were ‘off’ from the start. Little to no training given but condescending comments on the few occasions DD made inconsequential mistakes. It’s knocked her confidence and made her doubt herself. Now having to repeatedly chase for wages is so wrong.

Do they have her bank details? Or was she expecting cash?
It does sounds dodgy as they should have asked for her national insurance number.
I would definitely step in as I bet they are hoping she won't chase it.

This happened to nephew last summer. There were texts going back and forth saying ‘oh yes, just got to sort hours/can’t find time sheet. Then he got a bit of the money, then radio silence. Asked student union foradvice and they were kind but not particularly helpful. Nephew didn’t want us involved really. In the end (probably a bit riskily) he faked an email from a solicitor saying if payment wasn’t made by certain date, steps would be taken. The owner sent a text saying ‘sorry, I’d forgotten - here is the rest of your money’
Some of these people are so dodgy- especially employing locals.

The CRB is a very interesting angle to take. Bet local council would be very interested to hear about this

This. The citizens advice website should have template letters for this (they used to so I'm sure they still do).