Getting companies to sign timesheets.

[cojak]

I considered camping on the doorstep, but want to make sure I have exhausted other options. I was working remotely and it is a bit of a trek to get out there.

The invoices get a bit complicated. Basically I am with an umbrella company, Parasol. They have invoiced to the agency in question. I don't know if the agency has invoiced across to the client. I doubt it as they are waiting for the timesheets to be signed.

I could understand if the end client had said outright that they aren't going to sign. They just won't answer emails, are busy when I or anyone else calls for them. They haven't said anything.

Then you're just going to have to get your boots on and make that trek.

And then quietly promise never to work for that client again.

[tractor]

I had considered that, but the 2 people I have spoke with seem sincere enough. They have said that they don't get paid until the timesheets are signed.



I considered camping on the doorstep, but want to make sure I have exhausted other options. I was working remotely and it is a bit of a trek to get out there.

The invoices get a bit complicated. Basically I am with an umbrella company, Parasol. They have invoiced to the agency in question. I don't know if the agency has invoiced across to the client. I doubt it as they are waiting for the timesheets to be signed.

I could understand if the end client had said outright that they aren't going to sign. They just won't answer emails, are busy when I or anyone else calls for them. They haven't said anything.

The reason I bring up the opt in/out thing is that I read I can prove the work has been done with opt in I can claim without the timesheets. For opt out I can't find a clear answer. The work, in this case a website, has been completed. They effectively took delivery of it, made a few changes and then nothing.

Does this mean the company was one of these start ups working from an old converted garage on a farm miles from anywhere? - there are quite a few around.

Bit late for you I know, but to be avoided at all costs IMHO. Given that it's a web site, what did the contract say about IP and copyright?

[TheFaQQer]

Since you are through an umbrella company, ask them whether they opted out of the agency regulations on your behalf first.

To opt out, you need to do it yourself and also the brolly needs to do it as well, before you have been introduced to the client.

I'd bet that didn't happen, so you need to them point out to the agency that you are not opted out of the regulations, so they need to pay you regardless of whether they get paid by the client.

[MarkL75]

Does this mean the company was one of these start ups working from an old converted garage on a farm miles from anywhere? - there are quite a few around.

Bit late for you I know, but to be avoided at all costs IMHO. Given that it's a web site, what did the contract say about IP and copyright?

Funny enough they are based in one of the large metallic boxes with the full height roller doors, and now you mention it the 2 companies I have had problems with are both in those sort of buildings.

I checked and am definitely opt out with the umbrella company and the agency. Also the contract does raise an interesting point. It states that, on completion of work IP becomes the property of the end client. So if they claim to own the IP they are admitting that the work was complete. Otherwise they have to release the IP to me. I am going to send that onto the umbrella company and the agency dealing with it. Might just be an interpretation of the text, but it could be a club to beat them into talking to us with.

[VectraMan]

Seems to me the biggest problem you have here is your umbrella. You need them to act, as the contract is with them, and they probably won't. Plus if there is an issue over IP, who will end up owning it? It will be your employer - Parasol, not you.

Everybody is hiding behind the timesheet issue here, using that as an excuse to make it your problem. Ultimately if you did the work, not being able to get a signed timesheet isn't reason enough not to pay you, opt out or not.

I would send them a recorded delivery letter, demanding they either return signed timesheets or explain on what basis they're refusing to do so, with the appropriate threat of legal action and interest on the outstanding amount.

[Safe Collections]

Everybody is hiding behind the timesheet issue here, using that as an excuse to make it your problem. Ultimately if you did the work, not being able to get a signed timesheet isn't reason enough not to pay you, opt out or not.

This is our thinking, it gives everyone a ready made excuse to avoid/delay payment.

As you are with an umbrella it should be a case of chasing them as they are (generally) legally responsible for the outstanding balance.

[MarkL75]

Just thought I would come on and update. Still can't get anywhere with this. Still butting against "We need a signed timesheet".

Anyone know if I can use the legal system in this instance? Something like a small claims thing?

[Safe Collections]

Just thought I would come on and update. Still can't get anywhere with this. Still butting against "We need a signed timesheet".

Anyone know if I can use the legal system in this instance? Something like a small claims thing?

A timesheet isn't the be all and end all. If you can prove you did the work, you should be able to make a claim.

Have you warned the umbrella you are considering legal action?