Agent Claiming overpayment

[Bee]

Finished up in a gig back in July & last week was contacted by the agent claiming that I've been paid for a day I didn't work in the final week.

Timesheet was approved & I was paid for the 5 days that I worked. According to the agent, they later decided that I'd billed for a day that I didn't work and claimed the money back from the agent. Now he wants me to cough up.

Where do I stand legally here because it seems it's going to come down to my word against theirs. Once a timeshet has been signed off, are they legally obliged to pay up regardless?

No, If it's true, the client should pay attention what they are signing. The agency should be defending you in this case but unfortunately, they passed the hot potato to you. They are useless.

[pauldee]

In this case, what would the situation be if you asked the client to provide a source control log (assuming you are a dev). If they refuse can that work in your favour?

[washed up contractor]

I'd tell them to foxtrot oscar unless they had irrefutable proof I wasnt on site on the day in question because I know I was.

Obviously, if I wasnt on site, I wouldnt have claimed the day as Im meticulous in my record keeping.

[TheFaQQer]

In future, I would include additional text on the timesheet along the lines of "I confirm that the hours detailed above have been worked to our satisfaction and agree that <clientco> can be invoiced for at the agreed rate"

An agency I used years ago had it on their timesheet but I can't find a copy of it anywhere to give you the exact wording.

[WTFH]

I disagree, let the agent try it on, then tell them that since they are making these claims about client payments, you will present their claims to the client. If the client agrees that they signed the timesheets in error, then you go after the client. If the client denies all knowledge, then they won't use the lying scum agent ever again.

[SueEllen]

Local gig so no expenses as such. Sure I'm logged in their access system so they can check that.



In so many words, yes

Then there is proof you did the work.

Tell the agent to stop trying it on.

[Big Blue Plymouth]

I had that over a year ago.

I used my oyster card to travel to and from the client site, and TFL emailed (and email) me monthly my journeys. All I did was email the journeys over to the agent and I heard nothing more.

If you have receipts for lunch in shops nearby to the client for that week then scan and email them to the agent if you don't have travel tickets to prove you where in the locality.

Local gig so no expenses as such. Sure I'm logged in their access system so they can check that.

Tell them to **** off.

In so many words, yes

[SueEllen]

I'd reply, and not entertain a refund in the slightest.

"Hi agent,
For the avoidance of doubt, I did work the 5 days that were on the timesheet and signed off, and I have no idea why they think I didn't.

Mr SignoffPerson signed off on the 5 days, and I have no idea why he thinks that is different now. They have no basis to request a refund as far as I am concerned.

best wishes,
"

As others have said, if you can provide any receipts or whatever that might help get them off your back (thought you shouldn't have to).

You shouldn't need to but if the agent is stupid enough to threaten court you have double proof that s/he is full of it.

[jmo21]

I'd reply, and not entertain a refund in the slightest.

"Hi agent,
For the avoidance of doubt, I did work the 5 days that were on the timesheet and signed off, and I have no idea why they think I didn't.

Mr SignoffPerson signed off on the 5 days, and I have no idea why he thinks that is different now. They have no basis to request a refund as far as I am concerned.

best wishes,
"

As others have said, if you can provide any receipts or whatever that might help get them off your back (thought you shouldn't have to).

[northernladyuk]

Invoice them for additional hours worked over the contract.

[Lance]

Tell them to **** off.

Yep. This. ^^^^
They have no legs to stand on if you have a signed time sheet. That's enough evidence to win in court and it'll never get that far.
If the client and the agency are trying to f*** each other after you left it's their problem.

[FrontEnder]

Tell them to **** off.

[SueEllen]

I had that over a year ago.

I used my oyster card to travel to and from the client site, and TFL emailed (and email) me monthly my journeys. All I did was email the journeys over to the agent and I heard nothing more.

If you have receipts for lunch in shops nearby to the client for that week then scan and email them to the agent if you don't have travel tickets to prove you where in the locality.

[WTFH]

Finished up in a gig back in July & last week was contacted by the agent claiming that I've been paid for a day I didn't work in the final week.

Timesheet was approved & I was paid for the 5 days that I worked. According to the agent, they later decided that I'd billed for a day that I didn't work and claimed the money back from the agent. Now he wants me to cough up.

Where do I stand legally here because it seems it's going to come down to my word against theirs. Once a timeshet has been signed off, are they legally obliged to pay up regardless?

I would ask that the agent provides proof that they have refunded the client, and proof that the client has rejected one day off the timesheet.
You get paid based on signed timesheets, so if it was signed, then that's OK. Don't go to the client yet, but advise the agent that if they can't provide the required proof that you will go to the client with their claims (if your contract states payment based on signed timesheets).

[Big Blue Plymouth]

Finished up in a gig back in July & last week was contacted by the agent claiming that I've been paid for a day I didn't work in the final week.

Timesheet was approved & I was paid for the 5 days that I worked. According to the agent, they later decided that I'd billed for a day that I didn't work and claimed the money back from the agent. Now he wants me to cough up.

Where do I stand legally here because it seems it's going to come down to my word against theirs. Once a timeshet has been signed off, are they legally obliged to pay up regardless?