SFI- UK Intervenes to Secure Fair Pay for Indian Student Worker in Wales

London: The Students' Federation of India - United Kingdom (SFI- UK) successfully intervened in a case involving an Indian student employed part -time in the services sector in Wales, after the student was unfairly denied wages and charged for vehicle damage following a workplace accident.

The student, who was working while pursuing higher education in the UK, was abruptly terminated by the employer without valid reason. The company also demanded a "damage fee' related to an accident that occurred in a company vehicle during the course of employment. Wages owed to the student were withheld as part of this demand.

In response, the SFI- UK Casework team, in coordination with Kairali UK and the Indian Workers’ Association Great Britain (IWA-GB), challenged what they described as an illegal wage deduction and workplace exploitation. Following their intervention, the employer agreed to release the full wages and dropped all unfair charges.

“As an international student, I felt helpless when the company not only fired me without cause but also refused to pay me and demanded money for alleged damages,” the student said in a statement. “SFI- UK gave me the support I needed and stood up for my rights when I felt powerless.”

The student emphasised the challenges international students face in the UK job market, often fearing retaliation, visa issues, or academic consequences if they speak out. “Many employers take advantage of our vulnerable position. SFI- UK not only gave me hope but empowered me to stand up for myself and others.”

SFI -UK reiterated its commitment to protecting student workers from exploitation. “We stand firmly against the unfair treatment of students across the UK and will continue to defend their rights,” the organisation said in a statement.