An employment tribunal has ruled that a Papa Johns franchise worker was dismissed after refusing to be paid cash-in-hand because he wanted the correct amount of tax to be paid. The case involves Ashwani Kumar, who worked as a manager at a branch in Harlow, Essex.
According to the ruling described in the report, Kumar asked for itemised payslips and for proper deductions to be made for tax and National Insurance. Instead of accepting informal cash payments, he wanted his earnings recorded in the usual way through payroll.
The decision puts the focus on how employers handle wages, payslips and tax reporting. Cash-in-hand arrangements can create problems for workers who want clear records of their pay and assurance that the right deductions are being made.
The case also highlights the risks for businesses when payroll practices do not match employment and tax rules. For workers, the tribunal ruling underlines the importance of accurate payslips and transparent payment arrangements, especially in disputes over dismissal.
