Unpaid wages: how to recover money owed by your employer
In Cyprus the Protection of Wages Law governs how and when wages must be paid and restricts unlawful deductions. If your employer has not paid your wages, or has made deductions you did not agree to, you can demand payment and pursue the claim through the labour authorities and the courts. Keep clear records of what you are owed.
Key facts
What to do
- Calculate exactly what you are owed: basic pay, overtime, holiday pay and any other agreed amounts.
- Gather your contract, payslips, timesheets and bank statements as evidence.
- Send the employer a written demand stating the sum due and a deadline for payment.
- Check that any deductions from your wages were lawful and agreed - unauthorised deductions can be reclaimed.
- Report unpaid wages to the Department of Labour Relations if the demand is ignored.
- Pursue a claim before the competent court or tribunal to recover the outstanding wages.
What to watch out for
- Without payslips or a written contract it is harder to prove the amount owed - collect all records.
- Unlawful deductions are recoverable, but you must show they were not agreed.
- Delay can complicate recovery, especially if the employer becomes insolvent.
- Resigning over unpaid wages has consequences for other claims - take advice first.
Legal basis
Frequently asked questions
My employer keeps making deductions. Is that allowed?
The Protection of Wages Law restricts deductions from wages. Deductions generally require a legal basis or your agreement; unauthorised deductions can be reclaimed.
How do I prove what I am owed?
Use your contract, payslips, timesheets and bank statements. A clear written calculation of the sum due strengthens your demand and any later claim.
Who can help me if the employer ignores my demand?
You can approach the Department of Labour Relations and, if that does not resolve it, bring a claim before the competent court or tribunal.