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What to do if…
your commission or bonus is withheld at the last minute

Short answer

Don’t make an irreversible move (like quitting) today. Get the reason and the numbers in writing, then match them to the exact wording of your contract and commission/bonus scheme.

Do not do these things

  • Do not resign “in the moment” or threaten resignation as leverage.
  • Do not accept “we’ll sort it next month” without a written amount and date.
  • Do not sign anything that changes your commission/bonus terms or waives rights just to “unlock” payment.
  • Do not agree to a clawback/deduction unless you can see the clause or scheme rule that allows it.
  • Do not argue across wide internal channels (keep it factual, private, and in writing to the right people).
  • Do not sit on it: some pay claims can have strict time limits (for example, they can be as short as 3 months minus 1 day from when the payment was due for certain tribunal claims).

What to do now

  1. Clarify what happened: delayed, reduced, or refused.
    Ask payroll/HR (in writing) for a breakdown: amount withheld, what period it relates to, and the exact clause/rule they’re relying on.
  2. Get the pay calculation on paper.
    Save your payslip (or pay screen) and bank deposit record. If you’re an employee/worker you’re generally entitled to an itemised pay statement; if what you received isn’t clear, ask for an itemised calculation showing gross, deductions, and net, plus how the commission/bonus figure was reached.
  3. Build a “proof pack” before anything changes.
    Save copies of: employment contract/written statement, current commission plan/bonus scheme rules, target letters, any “you achieved X” confirmation, CRM/sales reports for the relevant period, and past payslips showing the usual method.
  4. Send one calm written correction request.
    State: expected amount + pay date, what was actually paid, and attach the key clause/screenshots. Ask for (a) payment by a specific date (e.g., next payroll run or an off-cycle payment), or (b) a written refusal with the precise reason.
  5. If they say it’s “discretionary,” pin down what’s being claimed.
    Ask them to confirm in writing whether they’re saying: “no bonus is being awarded,” or “a bonus was awarded but is being withheld/reduced,” and the reason for that decision.
  6. Name the issue clearly (without escalating the tone).
    If the scheme wording suggests you’ve earned a contractual commission/bonus, say you believe this may be an unpaid wages issue (and potentially an unlawful deduction from wages / breach of contract) and you’re asking them to correct it.
  7. Use the formal internal route quickly if it’s not fixed.
    Raise a formal grievance about non-payment/underpayment (follow your handbook). Ask for a meeting date and take a companion if you want.
  8. Get external guidance early if it’s still stuck.
    Contact Acas for help understanding your options. If you may need to go to an employment tribunal, Acas Early Conciliation is usually a required step first—so don’t leave it until “later.”

What can wait

  • You do not need to decide today whether to quit, go to tribunal, or “get a solicitor.”
  • You do not need a long argument tonight—facts + scheme wording + a written request is enough.
  • You do not need to resolve every legal label now; focus on what was promised, what was earned under the rules, and what was paid.

Important reassurance

A last-minute withheld commission/bonus is often a scheme-interpretation change, a payroll error, or an eligibility clause being applied suddenly. Your best advantage comes from slowing down, keeping everything in writing, and making the employer commit to a clear reason and a clear timeline.

Scope note

These are first steps only: stabilise, document, and trigger the correct process. If it doesn’t resolve, the next stage may involve formal dispute resolution and deadlines where independent advice can help.

Important note

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rights and outcomes depend on your contract, the scheme wording, your employment status, and the facts. If you’re being pressured to sign anything or you’re unsure about deadlines, consider getting independent advice before acting.

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