Reply to: Work dispute

[Sey060540]

Some good points and yes the abuse was to me and not my ltd company. I have made it v clear they must not write again. And love the suggestion of charging them for the time I am spending on it which will be no more.

[tractor]

..

A proper contractor would send an email, copying in the agent and pointing them both to the relevant clauses in the contract and finishing by stating that as far as you are concerned the matter is closed. Any further time you are required to spend on the matter will be charged at the last contracted rate in full days only.

Then back it up with invoices if you get any more comms on the matter.

Full stop.

[d000hg]

B2B harassment presumably could only go to court (in the extreme cases) as a personal issue between whichever individuals are involved?

[Taita]

It won't get to court FFS. Companies are not that stupid and there are squabbles all the time. What one person sees as abusive another will see as hard business, it depends on the context. At worst I can see them sending angry messages demanding their money back, just as you would to an agent if they haven't paid up. If a contractor, or anyone else sees that as abusive then god help us all.

However bad the situation the very worst a letter from a solicitor pointing out what laws they have broken and a threat of further action will suffice. No company is going to let their employee break the law and will back down.

I think in most cases of 'abuse' and packet of growsome would be in order IMO.

No, as you so accurately state, it won't go to court.

Was just making a point. Posters often forget/overlook the fact they they are acting in the name of their business. Businesses do not have recognisable feelings and cannot be offended/abused in the same way as people.

Getting uptight and emotional usually only serves to cloud the judgement and/or muddy the waters. Cool is best.

[northernladuk]

Just wondering.... what do the courts think of a business being verbally abusive to another business. Is this an actionable offence?

It won't get to court FFS. Companies are not that stupid and there are squabbles all the time. What one person sees as abusive another will see as hard business, it depends on the context. At worst I can see them sending angry messages demanding their money back, just as you would to an agent if they haven't paid up. If a contractor, or anyone else sees that as abusive then god help us all.

However bad the situation the very worst a letter from a solicitor pointing out what laws they have broken and a threat of further action will suffice. No company is going to let their employee break the law and will back down.

I think in most cases of 'abuse' and packet of growsome would be in order IMO.

[Taita]

^^^^ This.

Especially if they are being abusive.

Just wondering.... what do the courts think of a business being verbally abusive to another business. Is this an actionable offence?

[Wanderer]

Simply say everything is done according to contract and you consider the matter closed, in writing, and then ignore them. If they take it further (i.e. legally) come back and ask for advice.

^^^^ This.

Especially if they are being abusive.

[psychocandy]

Another post with some unbelievable statements...

I find it hard to believe you have a person stated on your contract that will sign your timesheets for over 2 years....

I find it hard to believe your client is sending you nasty emails and harassing phone calls. There is nothing wrong with your client knowing your email. You are a business, it should be on your business card that you give them. I don't see a problem with a client knowing the details of the business they are working with.

Assuming you are not another sockie did you opt in or out? check the Opt In/Out sticky to understand why this could be your get out card.

You finished the contract, you got paid. Nothing is going to change that. Just grow some, weather the storm and move on...

Just re-read the original post and see OP got paid. As per NLUK, who cares now its not your problem. You did as expected and agency paid you. Tell client to go and do one and sort out any issues they may have with the agency.

[d000hg]

Simply say everything is done according to contract and you consider the matter closed, in writing, and then ignore them. If they take it further (i.e. legally) come back and ask for advice.

[northernladuk]

They would record it and give you a crime number.

But if you later have to take civil action against them the fact you reported to another party helps your case as the probability that they were harassing you is more likely.

Maybe so but I would hope they have better things to do than get involved in petty business squabbles that can be resolved by other methods and would hope people used other methods before wasting their time as well.

[SueEllen]

I am sorry I don't get this one. Threatening to go to the police over 'harassing' emails sounds like bedwetting and can't take anyone seriously that says it, particularly to a company. I very much doubt that a business argument over money is harassment and the police won't give a stuff.

They would record it and give you a crime number.

But if you later have to take civil action against them the fact you reported to another party helps your case as the probability that they were harassing you is more likely.

[northernladuk]

Since the contractor has no business arrangement with the client, any such unwanted communication - after being asked to stop, definitely would be considered harassment.

As you state, the police wouldn't be too keen to get involved. However, informing the caller their communication is not welcome, followed by a cease and desist letter addressed at an appropriate level within the company would be quite effective.

Now that is more like it.

[herman_g]

I very much doubt that a business argument over money is harassment and the police won't give a stuff.

Since the contractor has no business arrangement with the client, any such unwanted communication - after being asked to stop, definitely would be considered harassment.

As you state, the police wouldn't be too keen to get involved. However, informing the caller their communication is not welcome, followed by a cease and desist letter addressed at an appropriate level within the company would be quite effective.

[northernladuk]

Before you blocked them you should have told them if they sent such a message to you in any form it's harassment and you will report them to the police.

I've found most idiots who think they can threaten you leave you alone once you point out they are breaking a law.

The police wouldn't act with you but someone else down the line they will do.

I am sorry I don't get this one. Threatening to go to the police over 'harassing' emails sounds like bedwetting and can't take anyone seriously that says it, particularly to a company. I very much doubt that a business argument over money is harassment and the police won't give a stuff.

[SueEllen]

E mails have been nasty now blocked. To e mail address given to agent not on my biz card. I am opted out and approver has done t sheets for 18 months.
Good advice I have been paid so move on.

Before you blocked them you should have told them if they sent such a message to you in any form it's harassment and you will report them to the police.

I've found most idiots who think they can threaten you leave you alone once you point out they are breaking a law.

The police wouldn't act with you but someone else down the line they will do.