You worked and didn't get paid?
Your immigration status does NOT remove your rights.
Call ATLEU first.
I worked without permission and my employer hasn't paid me. I need confidential legal advice.
I worked without permission and my employer hasn't paid me. I need confidential legal advice.
- Photos or notes about where you worked
- Messages from your employer (WhatsApp, SMS)
- Names of colleagues who saw you working
- Address of the workplace
- How many hours and days you worked, how much they owe
- You have the right to be paid — the UK Supreme Court confirmed this
- ATLEU does not share with the Home Office without your consent
- The call is free
This is an emergency. Modern Slavery Helpline — 24/7, 200+ languages, immediate response.
08000 121 700More details — expand if needed
The law is on your side
The UK Supreme Court in Hounga v Allen [2014] UKSC 47 confirmed: your immigration status does not block your right to be paid. Discrimination claims definitely apply. Wage claims are fact-sensitive and need a specialist.
This does not mean the path is simple — but the law does not close the door. That is exactly why you need ATLEU or a specialist lawyer.
If your employer misled you about your right to work (Okedina)
In Okedina v Chikale [2019] EWCA Civ 1393: the worker did not know they were working without permission (the employer hid this). The court returned £72,000 (including £64K unlawful deductions).
If you were misled about your right to work, that is your main line of protection. Tell ATLEU this on your first call.
What NOT to do on your own
DO NOT bring a claim to Employment Tribunal without a lawyer's advice. The Tribunal has anonymity protection (Rule 49 ET Rules 2024), but getting it without a lawyer is very hard.
DO NOT go to the police with a wage complaint without legal advice.
DO NOT call ACAS — ACAS Early Conciliation is not the right route in this situation.
NRM — if this looks like forced labour
If someone took your documents, threatened you, restricted your freedom, or created a debt you feel you must repay — this is Modern Slavery Act 2015 s.1 (forced labour).
Contact ATLEU or the Modern Slavery Helpline for an NRM referral (National Referral Mechanism). A Positive Reasonable Grounds decision pauses Home Office action and gives you a recovery period of 30+ days with housing and support.
The decision usually takes around 5–6 working days.
If you are afraid of the Home Office
ATLEU works under legal professional privilege — this is full legal immunity. They cannot share your information with the Home Office without your consent.
Getting legal advice is not just about recovering your wages — it is also about protecting your overall situation. ATLEU can advise on both.
Sources
- Hounga v Allen [2014] UKSC 47
- Okedina v Chikale [2019] EWCA Civ 1393
- Modern Slavery Act 2015 s.1
- gov.uk — NRM guidance
- atleu.org.uk