So in my contract, payment was due within 28 days of the first invoice. It's now 35 days. I'm not going to piss about: if I don't get paid, I'm walking. But I really like the client. So, as the agency has broken the contract, what are my options for approaching the client directly? Is there any scope for arguing that the whole 'client can't use contractor for x years after introduction' is now invalid?
- Visitors can check out the Forum FAQ by clicking this link. You have to register before you can post: click the REGISTER link above to proceed. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below. View our Forum Privacy Policy.
- Want to receive the latest contracting news and advice straight to your inbox? Sign up to the ContractorUK newsletter here. Every sign up will also be entered into a draw to WIN £100 Amazon vouchers!
If an agency breaks the contract by not paying, can I go straight to the client?
Collapse
X
-
-
Originally posted by pauldee View PostSo in my contract, payment was due within 28 days of the first invoice. It's now 35 days. I'm not going to piss about: if I don't get paid, I'm walking. But I really like the client. So, as the agency has broken the contract, what are my options for approaching the client directly? Is there any scope for arguing that the whole 'client can't use contractor for x years after introduction' is now invalid?
The whole restrictive clause enforcement thing is a farce at the best of times, but you could certainly argue if the agency breaches the contract that it's reasonable to ignore those terms. Don't forget that the client will have contracted T&C's with the agent so they may not want to touch you anyway.
Before you go off at the deep end there's an amount of payment chasing and warnings you should give, plus if you intend to put the agent on stop if they don't respond promptly then it's ok to politely inform the client that you can't come in to work due to payment difficulties with the agency. -
...
Late payment does not equal breach of contract. Late payment is covered by separate legislation to contract law.Comment
-
You say you aren't going to piss about but you haven't mentioned what you've done to get paid and what the reasons you haven't are. With only 7 days late wouldn't it be a good idea to start at the source and follow normal process before throwing breach in to the mix etc? tulip dies unfortunately happen sometimes and can easily be rectified.'CUK forum personality of 2011 - Winner - Yes really!!!!Comment
-
You have to go through a proper dunning procedure before late payment would be considered a material breach of contract.
Read this thread through - it talks about interest and admin charges http://www.payontime.co.uk/index.html For winding up orders. http://forums.contractoruk.com/accou...paid-debt.htmlDown with racism. Long live miscegenation!Comment
-
Cheers guys, sounds like getting paid can be a pain if they start dragging their feet, which is why I'm not going to piss about. There is at least one other client out there needing work immediately, and I know the agency just pays straight away, so I'm not going to hang around with an agency who won't pay. It's just a shame because I like the current client, but it sounds more hassle than it's worth to find some way to stay with them.Comment
-
Have you contacted the agency? If it's your first invoice, it could well just be an admin cock up.Comment
-
Originally posted by pauldee View PostCheers guys, sounds like getting paid can be a pain if they start dragging their feet, which is why I'm not going to piss about. There is at least one other client out there needing work immediately, and I know the agency just pays straight away, so I'm not going to hang around with an agency who won't pay. It's just a shame because I like the current client, but it sounds more hassle than it's worth to find some way to stay with them.Comment
-
35 days? Wow. One of my clients is over 100 days due now. Admittedly it's for a tiny amount, and I do chase it, but for whatever reason it's still delayed (and they are a multi-billion pound franchise). Payment terms are standard 30 days with my clients, but frequently endure payment being 60 days instead of 30. Agencies tend to be the best payers in terms of paying on time, so good luck if you think going direct will make things better.Comment
-
Originally posted by mudskipper View PostHave you contacted the agency? If it's your first invoice, it could well just be an admin cock up.
Even if they have not paid - interesting to hear what they say about it.Comment
- Home
- News & Features
- First Timers
- IR35 / S660 / BN66
- Employee Benefit Trusts
- Agency Workers Regulations
- MSC Legislation
- Limited Companies
- Dividends
- Umbrella Company
- VAT / Flat Rate VAT
- Job News & Guides
- Money News & Guides
- Guide to Contracts
- Successful Contracting
- Contracting Overseas
- Contractor Calculators
- MVL
- Contractor Expenses
Advertisers
Contractor Services
CUK News
- Labour’s plan to regulate umbrella companies: a closer look Yesterday 09:24
- When HMRC misses an FTT deadline but still wins another CJRS case Nov 20 09:20
- How 15% employer NICs will sting the umbrella company market Nov 19 09:16
- Contracting Awards 2024 hails 19 firms as best of the best Nov 18 09:13
- How to answer at interview, ‘What’s your greatest weakness?’ Nov 14 09:59
- Business Asset Disposal Relief changes in April 2025: Q&A Nov 13 09:37
- How debt transfer rules will hit umbrella companies in 2026 Nov 12 09:28
- IT contractor demand floundering despite Autumn Budget 2024 Nov 11 09:30
- An IR35 bill of £19m for National Resources Wales may be just the tip of its iceberg Nov 7 09:20
- Micro-entity accounts: Overview, and how to file with HMRC Nov 6 09:27
Comment