My employer doesn't pay my wages — who do I contact?

Direct answer

Unpaid wages are the one dispute where waiting costs you: claims expire. Write to the employer with the amount and a short deadline, then contact Acas (0300 123 1100) — the body that enforces employment law in the UK; they can inspect and order payment. A union, Your trade union (TUC) (tuc.org.uk), takes the case for members and often for new members too. If the employer is insolvent, Redundancy Payments Service pays the last months from a guarantee fund. Keep contracts, payslips and hours worked.

Call firstAcas

Report toYour trade union (TUC)

If that failsRedundancy Payments Service

🗣️ What to say

"My wages for [month] of €… gross were due on [date] and have not been paid. I request payment within 7 days. If not, I will file with Acas and claim interest and costs."

🪜 Step by step

Put it in writingAmount, period, due date, 7-day deadline. Keep every message about pay.
Gather proofContract, payslips, bank statements, your own record of hours and days worked, work chat messages.
Report to AcasComplaints are confidential; the inspectorate can visit and fine. It costs nothing.
Get Your trade union (TUC) on your sideUnions know the collective agreement that may set a higher wage than your contract, and they represent you in court.
Insolvent employer? Redundancy Payments ServiceThe wage guarantee fund pays a capped amount of unpaid wages when the company goes bust — apply quickly, deadlines are short.

📇 All contacts

AcasFree advice, early conciliation before a tribunalWithin 3 months less a day of the unpaid date📞 0300 123 1100 🔗 www.acas.org.uk

Your trade union (TUC)Advice and representationFor members; join first if you are not🔗 www.tuc.org.uk/join-union

Redundancy Payments ServicePays arrears when the employer is insolventApply online with the insolvency practitioner's reference🔗 www.gov.uk/your-rights-if-your-employer-is-insolvent

❓ Frequently asked

Can I stop working until I am paid?

In most countries yes, after a written warning, if the arrears are substantial — check with Your trade union (TUC) first so it cannot be treated as abandonment.

I worked without a contract

You are still an employee. Messages, hours, colleagues and payments prove the relationship, and the inspectorate can enforce the minimum wage.

How long do I have?

Limitation periods are short — often one to three years, and collective agreements may cut it to months. Act now.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

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💼 My employer doesn't pay my wages — who do I contact?