Early conciliation cases concerning unpaid wages saw an increase of approximately 17% between 2024 and 2025, Acas, the independent body for workplace disputes, has reported. Acas also states that nearly half of hospitality workers, 49%, experience problems at work.
Sonia Garcia Monuz is among several former employees of a Berkshire-based catering firm, Viking Catering Ltd, who claim they are owed money. Ms Monuz, a former full-time chef, states she is owed £2,300 in her final pay packet after leaving the company in August 2025. She has lodged a claim with Acas.
Joan Fullbrook and George Weal, who worked for Chef2Table Ltd, a different catering company owned by the same Hampshire-based businesswoman, Martha Lindeque, also claim they are owed money. Employment tribunal records show Ms Fullbrook won a case for "unauthorised deductions" of £1,498, and Mr Weal was awarded £1,052 for unpaid wages in January 2025. Both state the companies never paid the awarded sums.
Martha Lindeque declined to provide a statement, but her position is understood to be a strong denial of the allegations made by her ex-staff.