UK case here…
So, I started working on 30 Nov at this fast food place and I worked 4 days in total as “trial-shifts” (i.e. unpaid and unrecorded) before I started to be paid regularly. I didn't say anything at the time because I was stupid and felt intimidated by the manager plus I wanted to work as I needed the money. I also never saw nor signed an employment contract which I discovered is also illegal.
Fast forward until end of January, I quit because he is extremely aggressive, unpleasant and always complaining and insulting random objects. I then went on a holiday for a month and, in the meantime, I started to think back about that short job I held and how I am entitled to that money.
Here is the issue, UK law recommends CCTV to be deleted after 30 days and I also insulted the manager by text after I quit so I am afraid of being sued as it is illegal here in the UK to insult someone. Luckily he did insult me back by text but my insult was still stronger than his.
Any ideas of what to do now? I have the contact of a former employee who also said he did not get paid for trial shifts.