How do I handle this?

Petethespider

I've been employed on a zero hour contract since the beginning of the year to a small local family business. I was their only paid employee, only getting work when the work load was more then they could cope with alone. Suited me to the ground and I've been very happy there

Beginning of June, business was flying and I was by that time averaging 20 to 26 hrs, but my pay was getting later and later. Sometimes I'd be half way through a new week before I got the previous weeks pay

Any ways it then runs that I've no wages for 3 weeks, always with promises it will be with me later in the day

At the same time, cheques to suppliers were being bounced

Then I get two weeks of what was owed and nothing since. I'm still owed two weeks money, being promised it every day the past week and today I was told there's no more hours for me I said no worries I'll be up today for my outstanding pay later. Just received a text saying she's still waiting funds to clear


So obviously she's going belly up and can't afford to pay me, but I want the money I'm owed

What's my next step?

pmlindyloo

Is this a limited company?

Petethespider

I don't know. Worked at a portacabin in the garden of the house. As I say it was just her and him till they took me on

Beartricks

I'd not give them the option because it sounds like they're trying to direct all their money to areas where they think it is more important, meaning they've decided that you're at the bottom of that list for now. Fair enough, they're going bust but ultimately that's not your fault. You've already given up your time to them and you are owed money for it.

Waiting for funds to clear means that the money has been transferred to them and they're waiting for the bank to tell them that it's in their account. This, usually takes a couple of hours but it can happen instantly. I think that what your boss actually means is either they're waiting to be paid so they can pay you, they have the money but don't want to pay you specifically, or they're actually just broke.

I'd give them the benefit of the doubt to get the 'funds cleared' for a day or two, then show up at short notice so they don't have the opportunity to text you an excuse or do a runner. From what you've been told, they'll have the money soon, so choose to take that literally for now even if you don't really believe it.

If you show up and they don't tell you the truth then I'd start being more firm.

Petethespider

Well they can't go too far as its a small town and everyone knows everyone

I'm just fuming because I have had not a penny to my name for two weeks as by time I'd got the previous late pay, I owed it elsewhere where I was having to borrow to tide me over

I'm also fuming because they were personal friends long before I started to work there. I feel completely mugged Not looking forward to saying to the OH I've no money coming again because he's ready to go down and create a scene

patman99

Do they trade as a limited company or are they sole traders?.

This is easy to determine as any letterheads will have 'Limited' after the company name.

If they are sole traders, then move on and get another job then chase them for the un-paid wages.