Ingenious Power Engineering

Case Summary

The claimant, an experienced HGV driver employed as a Grab Driver, was instructed to collect a cable drum and damaged the respondent's grab lorry in the process. The respondent deducted £1,378.75 from the claimant's wages in January and February 2025 to recover repair costs. The tribunal found the deduction was unauthorised and in breach of section 13 of the Employment Rights Act 1996, despite contractual language purporting to permit such deductions.

The tribunal found the deduction was unauthorised under section 13 of the Employment Rights Act 1996. Although the contract contained a clause purporting to permit deductions for negligence-caused damage, the tribunal determined the claimant's actions did not constitute negligence and the deduction was therefore unlawful.

• •Whether unauthorised deductions from wages were made contrary to section 13 of the Employment Rights Act 1996
• •Whether deduction was made in accordance with contract of employment
• •Whether claimant was negligent in causing vehicle damage
• •Credibility of witnesses regarding the incident and circumstances

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