Getting Paid...

[famerazak]

Hi All

I'm having trouble being paid by one of my clients - its been four months now and so far I've not been paid. Being a rather big company I expected a 30 day delay but not this long.... The real killer is that I don't have a contract with this company as I go in as and when needed - however I am on their roster of contractors...

Can anyone give me any advice here? Should I ask them for a contract or make them sign one which I provide? Does anyone know of any good contract templates or recommend solicitors who could help me here?

Cheers
Fame

[rebekkaloos]

I guess I will just state the obvious but:
- yes you should have a contract! And I hope you get a sign-off form or some sort of timesheet (signed by the client) after you've done work for them? Otherwise where's the proof that you've done some hours/days work for them?
- I think the PCG has got contract templates on their site. Don't forget to make it IR35 friendly.... (sounds like it shouldn't be a problem in your case if the work you do at your client's is on a as and when needed basis)

[famerazak]

Yes i do have supporting timesheets - the contract is the only missing thing in this case!

Thanks for the info.

[privateeye]

Getting Paid...

I go in as and when needed

..don't go in when next needed. They seem to know that you will jump to their command and they don't have to pay you.

There are no holds barred if I don't get paid - I give reasonable time (max 30 days) then issue a statutory demand.

[Vetran]

Say you will go in when needed but once on site your first visit will be to accounts to pick up your signed cheque, otherwise you are off home. Send them a reminder with 7 days to pay see www.payontime.co.uk

Get some T&C's drawn up quick, copy them to them and put them on the back of your invoice.

[BlasterBates]

Just be very persistent, give them 7 days then go legal.

[BlasterBates]

...aha big company and you´re direct.

Yes big companies often have a policy of not paying suppliers until they really have to, big and powerful and all that, provides them with substantial amounts of working capital. Don´t get too flustered; In future send your invoices in promptly with a suitable notice (not sure how much, look at the legal requirements) and then as soon as the notice has expired, a reminder.

I suspect they´ll only pay as late as they can possibily get away with without incurring penalties.

You´ll probably have to do more admin if your direct, because this is what the agencies do. Purchasing depts can be a real pain.

Not having a contract could prove quite tricky, depending on the purchasing manager. I think you´re going to have to sort this out.

[mailmannz]

Dont **** around with these guys...send them a final demand saying they have 7 days to pay up and then get on to the county courts about lodging a claim with them.

Mailman