Wages/Legal Question

[wen]

I have a question about my wages, not really to do with debt, but this is causing me grief every month!

I have been working for Sainsbury's for the past 3 months and EVERY month they get my wages wrong. The first month the pay rate was set wrong, and I was paid the extra owed 2 weeks later. Then the second month there were hours missing, but there was also a "computer error" and everything would be resolved in month 3. Month 3's payment has gone in, and although i haven't got my pay slip yet, I can see from the amount paid into the bank this morning that it is all wrong yet again - probably about £300 short!!!

Where do I stand demanding the correct money from Sainsbury's? The reason being is I was planning on declaring bankruptcy next week and every penny from my wages was vital to have this all sorted!

I know Sainsbury's will work it out correctly and then do their BACS transfer process, but I really need the available money now and not in 7-10 working days!

The legal eagles out there: Am I in my rights to demand the cash straight away when I go in later to sort it out? I really am angry that I work so hard when I am in there, the least I should expect is to be paid on time!! I wouldn't mind so much but it is 4 weeks in arrears - it really makes me so angry![:(!]

[MelanieGiles]

Sorry I can't really help with the legal side Wen, but I would go and camp in the Personnel Manager's office until this is resolved and claim that you cannot afford to pay for your weekly shop.

My step-daughter used to work at Companies House and it took them 8 months to pay her appropriately, and when she left they demanded a large sum of money by way of an overpayment. Needless to say wicked step-Mum stepped in and got the thing sorted out, but if goes to show that larger companies do not seem to be bothered about how they treat their employee's incomes.

[wen]

Hi, Wen's husband here:

Firstly: Wicked step mum huh? Now that I would like to see! [:D]

Secondly: 8 months - that's awful! Probably even worse as I assume that she was salaried??? Wendy is per/hour + night premium which leaves the door open for SO many problems - especially the confusing way Sainsbury's lay out their payslips [}:)]

It really angers me, as an ex-business owner, we made sure our staff were paid every penny due first thing on a friday morning without fail. When we had to give our lease back, they still kept their jobs as the landlord carried on the business as it was, but we still made damn sure that they were paid correctly. It's people's livelihoods they are messing with!

[MelanieGiles]

Hi Mr Wen, and as an employer as well I completely agree with you. We are only as good as the staff that we have working for us, and sometimes the larger organisations shoudl take note of that.

I hope she gets it sorted out soon, or else you will have to go down and have a word with them!

[wen]

Exactly Melanie.

And trust me... having worked at Sainsbury's about 6 years ago, and well aware of the 'stunts' that happen, I will be having words if it isn't sorted tomorrow! [}:)]

[GreenGoblin]

Hi Wen,

I've been working in the retail sector (although not Sainsury's) for 18 years now and for every employer that I've worked for the policy has been the same that if your employer has paid you incorrectly by their error then you are entitled to a cash wage sub immediately to make up any difference in pay that you have.

Normally you would get any money owing in cash, sign a form to say that you have received this and stating a repayment date and normally any money owing is sent to the store in the form of a cheque or paid to you the following pay day where you would then pay it back by cash or cheque.

They are not allowed to keep you waiting for your money, especially after you sign a contract to state what your income is and they are not fulfilling their side of it by paying you incorrectly and you are by working your agreed hours etc.

Your Personnel Manager should advise you on what your company's policy is.

I hope this helps.

Kind regards.

[Adam Davies]

Hi
I totally agree with Greengoblin,having been in retail all my working life.If a mistake is made,and they do happen,a cash advance was made and paid back at the next pay date when the missed hours were paid.
I think that you need to speak with your immediete manager and state that you want a cash advance until next payday.
Regards

[J-DOUBLEYA]

I have also worked in retail and also as a union rep for USDAW. Are you a member ?

If not, there is a complaint procedure that if not resolved will be escalated to your area director !! your store manager will not want his/her b*tt kicked because it damages their prospects for further advancement. Use the grievance procedure - your Line Manger or personnel can help you or as i said earlier or if your a member use the union rep !

They can give you an immediate advance on the underpayment.[}:)]