Workers Seek Unpaid Wages from Catering Firm: ‘It Makes Me Sick’
Ninoda.com – When an employer simultaneously handles human resources, manages grievances, and controls payroll, employees can find themselves in difficult situations. Three individuals have shared their stories with the BBC regarding wages they believe are rightfully theirs but remain unpaid.
Rising Cases of Unpaid Wages
According to Acas, the independent workplace dispute resolution organization, early conciliation claims related to unpaid salaries increased approximately 17% between 2024 and 2025. The organization reports that nearly half of hospitality sector employees—specifically 49%—encounter workplace difficulties.
“I just want my wages. It’s my hard work. I just want what I’m owed.”
Sonia Garcia Monuz: Fighting for £2,300
Sonia Garcia Monuz joined Viking Catering Ltd as a full-time chef in June 2024. She described her initial six months positively before disagreements with the owner prompted her to resign in August 2025. According to Sonia, her final paycheck was never issued, leaving her £2,300 short.
“A lot of us are waiting for our wages to pay our bills. 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.”
Sonia filed a claim with Acas to recover her funds. She described the process of pursuing her payment as exhausting and left her feeling powerless.
Joan Fullbrook: Retirement Dreams Delayed
Joan Fullbrook anticipated enjoying her retirement but instead found herself still pursuing compensation. She worked for Chef2Table Ltd, another company owned by Martha Lindeque, a Hampshire-based businesswoman.
“I worked hard every day in that kitchen and that was how I was repaid. It makes me sick to be treated this way.”
Employment tribunal documentation reveals Joan successfully won a case against Chef2Table Ltd for unauthorized wage deductions. However, she maintains the company never honored the £1,498 award.
“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 is currently pursuing the outstanding amount through county court proceedings.
George Weal: A Young Worker’s Stress
George Weal was just 21 years old when he began employment at Chef2Table Ltd. He departed within months after learning the food van he operated for deliveries lacked proper taxation and insurance—details he claimed were unknown to him and which could have jeopardized his driving license.
“It was just really stressful. Especially for someone of my age. 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.”
Tribunal records indicate George received £1,052 in January 2025 for unpaid wages, yet he asserts the company never made the payment. He described feeling overwhelmed while attempting to recover what was owed to him.
Expert Guidance from Acas
Chrissy Bell, a senior advisor at Acas with a decade of experience on their helpline, provides free, impartial counsel 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 recommends that individuals who believe they haven’t received proper compensation first calculate the correct amount owed by reviewing payslips, timesheets, and contracts. She advises speaking with employers initially, as errors may have occurred. If informal resolution fails, she suggests submitting a written grievance with supporting evidence and allowing reasonable time for a response. Should internal resolution prove unsuccessful, filing a claim with an employment tribunal becomes an option. Chrissy notes that enforcement systems exist to help workers collect tribunal awards when necessary.
Martha Lindeque declined to issue a formal statement, though the BBC has gathered information regarding her involvement.
