My name is Iona. In October 2019 I resigned from a position as PA, housekeeper and carer because of my employer's unpredictable and intimidating behaviour. I gave my contractual one month's notice and submitted time sheets for overtime I had done. It was a busy household, he was a widower with three children. He would not pay me and although I sent many requests it was ignored. In January 2020 I submitted a small claims form for £4843. It was awarded to me in March 2020. However, in June 2020 the employer's solicitor requested that the case be set aside, which was granted. Through the COVID pandemic of 2020-2022 there were two further hearings via CVP (cloud video platform), attempted mediation and a final attended hearing in March this year.

As it was a small claim hearing I represented myself as I could not afford a lawyer. The employer had both a Solicitor and Barrister attend the hearing. The Barrister cross-examined me for over an hour whereafter the Judge offered me 10 minutes to defend my case, The outcome was that not only did I not win my claim but unbelievably I have been ordered to pay the employer £2011 in line with his counterclaim.

I am a care worker on a salary that is less than £2200 a month. I submitted a small claim in 2020 because I believed that I was owed money for the work I had done and had given plenty of notice.

It has taken over 3 years for an outcome and not only did I not win my claim but have been ordered to pay the employer money. From the way the hearing was conducted, having never been in a court before I did not have enough opportunity to present my case, or ask questions. I have sought advice from a lawyer as to whether I could appeal but have decided not to.

I have the counter-claim amount that I would like to pay by 8th May 2023. I have set up Go Fund Me account as I do not have the money and any amount that could be donated towards these costs would be gratefully received.