Alda Simoes dreamed of a fresh start when she landed a position with Swiss sofa designer De Sedes within the prestigious Harrods department store. After years with another furniture retailer, this felt like a significant step forward, a chance to elevate her career and provide for her son.
That hope shattered within weeks. Alda found herself trapped in a grueling cycle, repeatedly asked to work fourteen consecutive days – a practice explicitly forbidden by law. She felt increasingly exploited, describing the situation as being “treated like a slave,” a desperate plea for fairness that ultimately cost her everything.
The consequences were swift and brutal. After lodging a complaint with employment rights group Acas, Alda was abruptly dismissed, the decision delivered in a matter of seconds with no explanation. She lost not only her income but also a promised £800 commission from a recent sale, a devastating blow.
The fallout extended far beyond financial hardship. Alda was forced to leave her home, move into a shared flat, and send her son to live with family. The emotional toll was immense, plunging her into a deep depression as she grieved the loss of her job and her support network.
After a protracted legal battle, filled with court hearings and appeals, justice finally seemed within reach. In January, Alda was awarded over £16,000 in compensation, intended to cover lost earnings, both past and future. The court’s decision even set a precedent, referenced in legal textbooks as a victory for workers’ rights.
Yet, despite the ruling, the money remains unpaid. Months have passed, and Alda is still waiting, her life in limbo. She has lost her home while navigating the frustrating bureaucracy of a legal system that promised relief but has yet to deliver.
The stress and uncertainty have taken a heavy toll on Alda’s health. She carries a constant weight on her heart, haunted by the unresolved situation. The promised financial security remains elusive, a stark reminder of the price she paid for standing up for her rights.
De Sedes, which has since relocated from Harrods, has not responded to requests for comment. Alda’s story serves as a chilling example of the challenges faced by those who dare to challenge unfair labor practices, even after winning in court.
