Nanny Wins £39 Lawsuit for Unpaid Wages After Quitting Three Hours into the Job

Nanny Wins Lawsuit for Unpaid Wages After Quitting Three Hours into the Job

A London nanny, Ley Tsang, successfully sued a couple for unpaid wages after quitting just three hours into the job. Despite never actually having looked after the couple's daughter, Tsang won £39 after an employment tribunal ruled in her favor.

Tsang connected with the parents through Koru Kids, a childcare website. After an initial meeting in April 2024, they agreed that Tsang would care for their daughter three times a week, in three-hour shifts, starting the following month. However, after a three-hour introductory session with the parents, Tsang decided against taking the position.

Tsang argued that the induction session constituted work and therefore merited payment. The parents refused, leading to the employment tribunal. The tribunal sided with Tsang, awarding her the £39 claim.

The tribunal heard that the first day was an "induction" day, where the parents showed Tsang their daughter's school, the route to their house, gave her keys, and showed her what was expected of her. Tsang also spent some time with their daughter, with the parents present in the house for the duration.

The following day, Tsang changed her mind about the £13-an-hour role and handed in her notice. The parents argued that she had not actually "undertaken any childcare" and refused to pay.

Tsang told the tribunal she had "experienced stress" as a result of the case. An employment judge ruled in her favor, concluding that she was "entitled to be paid" for attending the induction session. The judge noted that Tsang had been instructed to "start on Friday", the day she was "shown the ropes" by the couple.

The parents were ordered to pay Tsang the £39 she is owed.