Laura Federe and Andrejs Vaganous have got a court judgement for the thousands they are owed for working at failed restaurant Gerry’s but still face a wait for their money. (Picture by Peter Frankland, 0899562)

THREE Latvian workers moved to Guernsey for a better life – but have worked months without being paid.

They are now owed £10,000 by a restaurateur who said they would have to wait while his company was wound up.

Andrejs Vaganous and girlfriend Laura Federe, both 23, moved to the island last April and heard about the newly-opened Gerry’s, run by Geraldo Gomes.

Initially they were paid but by June their overtime was outstanding. From August, they received no wages at all.

‘It was our first time in a different country,’ said Mr Vaganous.

‘We were afraid to leave our job because we couldn’t afford to fly home. He controlled us.’

Gerry’s closed earlier this month. Mr Gomes said the staff would be paid all they were owed and that while working they had been paid £150 a week each to cover costs.

‘It meant they could pay for their staff accommodation,’ he said.

‘The company is now being liquidated, so they will have the wait until they can get their full pay, but they will get it. Everything will be paid back.’

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