Bonus Disputes

Expert Legal Support for Workplace Compensation Claims

If your employer has unfairly withheld, reduced, or refused to pay your bonus, our specialist employment solicitors can help you recover what you’re owed. We handle complex bonus disputes with expertise in negotiation and litigation. Contact us today: 0203 909 8399 | Book a Consultation

What Is a Bonus Dispute?

A bonus dispute arises when an employer fails to pay an expected bonus, reduces it unfairly, or exercises discretion in bad faith. These disputes are particularly common in sectors where bonuses form a significant part of compensation packages, such as banking, sales, and executive positions.

Do You Have a Valid Bonus Claim?

You may have a claim if:

Your bonus was contractually guaranteed
Discretion was exercised unfairly or in bad faith
Similar employees received bonuses but you didn’t
Bonus reduction was discriminatory
Performance targets were met but bonus withheld

Types of Bonus Disputes

Contractual Bonuses

Guaranteed bonus payments
Performance-linked bonuses
Annual or quarterly bonuses
Commission structures
Profit-sharing arrangements

Discretionary Bonuses

Management discretion disputes
Unfair exercise of discretion
Bad faith decisions
Inconsistent application
Arbitrary reductions

Discriminatory Practices

Gender-based pay disparities
Age discrimination in bonus allocation
Race or ethnicity-based differences
Disability-related reductions
Part-time worker discrimination

Common Bonus Dispute Issues

Calculation Disputes

Incorrect performance metrics
Changed calculation methods
Disputed target achievement
Pro-rating disagreements
Currency conversion issues

Timing Issues

Delayed bonus payments
Resignation before payment date
Dismissal impact on bonuses
Year-end timing disputes
Notice period considerations

Eligibility Disputes

Employment status questions
Qualifying period requirements
Department or team eligibility
Maternity/paternity leave impact
Sickness absence effects

Building Your Bonus Claim

Essential Documentation

Employment contract terms
Bonus scheme documentation
Performance reviews and targets
Email correspondence about bonuses
Historical bonus payments
Comparator employee information

Evidence of Bad Faith

Inconsistent treatment
Discriminatory patterns
Arbitrary decision-making
Lack of proper explanation
Retaliation for complaints

Legal Routes for Recovery

Internal Resolution

Formal grievance procedures
Appeals to senior management
HR intervention
Mediation attempts
Direct negotiation

External Claims

Employment Tribunal claims
High Court proceedings
ACAS early conciliation
Breach of contract actions
Discrimination claims

High-Value Bonus Claims

Banking Sector – Investment banking bonuses and carried interest
Sales Roles – Commission structures and incentive schemes
Executive Level – Performance-related pay and share options
Professional Services – Partnership distributions and profit shares
Tech Industry – Stock options and retention bonuses

Negotiation Strategies

Pre-Litigation

Calculate full entitlement
Identify leverage points
Propose settlement terms
Consider tax implications
Negotiate payment structure

During Proceedings

Maintain settlement dialogue
Use mediation opportunities
Consider partial settlements
Balance risk and reward
Factor in legal costs

Why Choose Connaught Law

Specialist bonus dispute expertise
Strong financial sector experience
Successful negotiation track record
High Court litigation capability
Understanding of complex schemes

Our Approach

Detailed scheme analysis
Precise calculation of entitlements
Strategic claim development
Robust negotiation tactics
Cost-effective resolution focus

Time Limits

Contract claims – 6 years from breach
Tribunal claims – 3 months less one day
Discrimination aspects – 3 months
Importance of acting quickly

Next Steps

Don’t let your employer unfairly withhold your bonus. Our employment law specialists have extensive experience recovering bonuses through negotiation and litigation. We understand complex compensation structures and will fight for your entitlement. Call 0203 909 8399 or Book Online for immediate expert advice.