5 year old invoice from old employer - advice

mrchuckles

Hi,

I'm looking for some advice, all is welcome.

Today I received a letter from my old employer - I left over a year ago. They have sent me an invoice for £200 with no details for why whatsoever.

On ringing them it sounds like it was for an advance over 5 years ago. I don't remember it exactly but there were issues with my pay but I thought it was all paid back through my salary years ago.

I don't have any old pay slips to prove this - I binned them as it was so long ago.

They don't seem to be able to provide proof I didn't pay it back.

What shall I do? Just pay it? Do I have to pay it have they got me over a barrow? Even tho they can't prove either I got it or that I didn't pay them back.

It's a big company and a government department so they will get me!

All advice welcome.

Thanks

Uncertain

mrchuckles wrote: »

Hi,


It's a big company and a government department so they will get me!

It doesn't matter who they are, unless you are willing to admit the debt they will have to provide reasonable proof.

I would write back and say that, to the best of your recollection, there were no outstanding amounts and ask them to provide full details so that you can check your records (they don't know you haven't got any).

Had this gone over six years it would have been statute barred. In Scotland that is five years.

directdebiter

Uncertain wrote: »

It doesn't matter who they are, unless you are willing to admit the debt they will have to provide reasonable proof.

I would write back and say that, to the best of your recollection, there were no outstanding amounts and ask them to provide full details so that you can check your records (they don't know you haven't got any).

Had this gone over six years it would have been statute barred. In Scotland that is five years.

I agree - sounds like they are clutching at straws. They need to prove the debt and five years is ridculous. I am sure they will think it si not worth the hassle.

whitewing

I think it is really bad manners and very sloppy to send an invoice like this without a covering explanation. That would make me dig my heels in.

MissSarah1972

They need to have the back up evidence.

JimmyTheWig

I think the only way they have you over a barrell is in as much as you may be relying on them to give future references.

getmore4less

I would ask for proof problem is they only provide the info that shows they lent you the money, you also need the info that proves you paid it back(or not).

Maybe a subject access request would ensure you get all the info needed.

mrchuckles

Thanks for all your cracking advice. Really appreciated.

Can you tell me what a subject access request is?

Justicia

mrchuckles wrote: »

Thanks for all your cracking advice. Really appreciated.

Can you tell me what a subject access request is?

http://www.ico.gov.uk/for_organisations/data_protection/the_guide/principle_6/access_to_personal_data.aspx