Three individuals have spoken to the BBC regarding their experiences after claiming they were denied earned wages by their employers. When a business owner also manages human resources and grievance procedures, workers often find it difficult to secure their rightful pay. Sonia Garcia Monuz, a former chef at Viking Catering Ltd in Berkshire, alleges she is owed £2,300. She noted that the financial strain forced her to rely on credit cards and family support to cover essential living costs.
Data from the workplace advisory service Acas indicates a 17% increase in unpaid wage disputes between 2024 and 2025. Furthermore, approximately 49% of hospitality staff report encountering work-related issues. Other individuals, such as Joan Fullbrook and George Weal, have reported similar experiences involving a separate firm, Chef2Table Ltd. Although both secured employment tribunal awards for their unpaid earnings, they claim the payments were never fulfilled. Weal also cited safety concerns, claiming he was unknowingly asked to operate an uninsured and untaxed vehicle.
Acas senior advisor Chrissy Bell explains that even minor discrepancies in pay can leave workers unable to manage their household bills. She recommends that employees first verify their records against contracts and payslips before attempting to resolve the matter directly with their employer. If informal talks fail, submitting a formal written grievance is the recommended next step. For those who remain unpaid, pursuing an employment tribunal claim is the final internal recourse. Martha Lindeque, the owner of the involved companies, has declined to comment but maintains a strong denial of all allegations brought forth by her former staff.