Boss owes me four months wages - won't communicate

daddyorchips84

I started working for a physiotherapy clinic in February as a part time receptionist/sports massage therapist. The agreement was that I would be working on a self employment basis (as a massage therapist, I am already registered as self employed) and invoicing the clinic every fortnight in order to receive my wages.

To cut a long story short, I was fobbed off for four months with promises of payments being made soon. The clinic had recently lost a lot of clients to a physiotherapist who left and started his own rival clinic so I knew there were cash flow problems, however since this is an established clinic with branches in Soho and Harley Street, initially I wasn't unduly concerned. I also have another part time job which pays quite well so I wasn't relying on the money to get by. By the fourth month however, I emailed my boss to say that I was no longer able to work until I had received the money I was owed. He replied saying that he understood and would try to resolve the matter as soon as he could.

Since then my attempts to get in contact with him (text, email and phone) have been completely ignored. I am owed almost £2500 by this company and am uncertain what the next step should be. I do not have a contract but have kept all the email correspondence regarding my hours worked etc. I visited the employment tribunal website but it said that there is a fee to pay for going down this route, which I would like to try and avoid.

I am planning on going into the clinic next week in person to try and force him to speak to me regarding this matter. I would like some advice on what my options are if he tries to fob me off again - my plan is to try and scare him into paying me by threatening legal action, but I would like to sound convincing when I do this!

This has been a very frustrating experience - any help would be appreciated!

AP007

Send a statement along with copies of the invoices by REGISTERED post and submit with it too a 7 day letter saying action will be taken to claim this money if payment is not in your bank account 7 days after the signing of the letter.

You do not need to scare or threat just DO IT!!!

After 7 days submit a claim for the small claims court

http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/england/your_rights/legal_system/small_claims.htm#time_limits

daddyorchips84

Thanks for getting back to me so quickly! Just wanted to know - is it best if the invoices and letter are posted? Or will sending via email suffice?

AP007

daddyorchips84 wrote: »

Thanks for getting back to me so quickly! Just wanted to know - is it best if the invoices and letter are posted? Or will sending via email suffice?

Email is no proof they got them so always send like I have said with a statement AND a 7 day latter saying payment of the attached invoices have to be paid in full within 7 days or receipt of the letter to avoid further proceedings to recover the money.

Send REGISTERED post so they get it the next day and check its been signed for and then start counting

ValHaller

daddyorchips84 wrote: »

my plan is to try and scare him into paying me by threatening legal action, but I would like to sound convincing when I do this!

Don't bluff. Don't threaten legal action if you are not prepared to see it through.

Takeaway_Addict

If you are self employed you can't use employment tribunals.

As has been said, letter before action detailing exact costs against the company with a final time for payment and then follow through with the action. Small claims is minimal cost, the bad thing is though even if you get a judgement you still may not get the money but cross that bridge when you get to it.