The Employment Tribunal found that the employer, 1PhysioUK Limited, failed to meet its contractual obligations and made unauthorised deductions from the claimant’s wages. 

Mr Susheel Asher, who worked as a musculoskeletal physiotherapist, began employment with A&A Medical Ltd on 19 April 2023. His employment transferred to 1PhysioUK Limited on 1 May 2023 under the TUPE Regulations.  

He remained in post until 4 October 2024. Despite being promised full-time work of 37.5 hours per week with a salary of £25,600, he was consistently underemployed and underpaid throughout his employment. 

With support from his union, CSP, Mr Asher brought a claim against his employer through Thompsons Solicitors. He was represented by specialist employment solicitor Farihah Chaudhry. The hearing took place remotely via video link from Newcastle in April 2025. 

In a Judgment that was handed down in May, the Tribunal found all of Mr Asher’s claims to be well-founded and ruled that 1PhysioUK Limited was not entitled to unilaterally impose reduced hours, unauthorised deductions, or withhold accrued holiday pay.  

The company was ordered to pay Mr Asher £17,920.39 in damages for breach of contract, £93.43 for unlawful deductions, and £2,023.40 for unpaid holiday pay. 

Farihah Chaudhry, employment solicitor at Thompsons, who is based in the firm’s Birmingham office, said: “This case shines a light on the importance of employers respecting contractual terms and statutory protections.  

“Mr Asher was promised full-time work and a stable income but was consistently denied both without lawful justification.  

“The Tribunal found that the employer imposed unauthorised wage deductions and failed to pay accrued holiday leave—clear breaches of employment law.  

“Our client was placed in an incredibly vulnerable position, and we are pleased to have helped him hold his employer to account and secure the compensation he deserved.” 

Mr Asher added: “Working with 1PhysioUK was one of the hardest periods of my life ,17 months of isolation, underpayment, and no support left me mentally and financially broken. I felt invisible and hopeless, until I turned to the union, Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP).  

“They listened, believed me, and connected me with Thompsons Solicitors, whose guidance gave me the confidence to stand up for myself. With their help, I won my case and for the first time in a long time, I could finally breathe.  

“Their support made a lasting impact that I will always value.” 

Emma Lenehan, assistant director at the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP), said: “This Judgment reaffirms the importance of union membership in defending the rights of health professionals, especially those working under challenging circumstances.  

“The CSP initially supported our member Mr Asher in bringing a claim against 1PhysioUK Limited through Thompsons. We’re grateful for Thompsons’ commitment and expertise which has led to the positive outcome in this case.”