Self Employed

[roxy3677]

Hi can anyone advise? My partner is a self employed tradesman and recently did some work for a building firm (who contacted him asking if he would do some work). He did the work as agreed and now the builder is reluctant to pay him despite their being no problems with the work (the builders customers are happy with the work). The builder stated he would pay him by cheque once the work was completed and it's now 3 weeks and they keep making excuses for not paying him eg, we're waiting for the customer to pay us.You're lucky normally have to wait 7 weeks to get paid etc. It seems unfair when theyare a larger company who have probably several contracts on the go whilst my partner just has a labourer and we rely on a regular income. Are we being unreasonable expecting payment once the job has been finished? Does anyone know if there is a time limit for expecting payment as it is a sum of around �3,000 and we need the cash to pay our mortgage. Can we take them to a small claims court and if so how much does it cost and how likely are we to ever see the money? Thanks.

[Twenty20]

First of all, if your partner is self employed he must know that he's unlikely to be paid immediately a job is done. Most companies pay 30 days after the end of the month of the date of invoice. Some may pay quicker, others slower.

Did he agree payment terms before taking on the work?

3 weeks is quite soon to be thinking of going to Court quite honestly. You can start hassling for the money now but it would normally be 30 to 60 days until you get paid. Have you written to the company, sent statements etc?

You can make a claim via the small claims Court here
https://www.moneyclaim.gov.uk/csmco2/index.jsp

[roxy3677]

thanks twenty20, I just checked on the website link you mentioned and it does say 30 days from date of invoice unless stated otherwise. So they have a little longer yet. No he didn't agree any temrs prior other than a verbal agreement the builder said he would pay him by cheque once job finished. Have only given them one invoice and my partner did go over to his address as he said on telephone he would pay him later that day but when my partner rang him he kept hanging up. \i thought it would be better to turn up in person. We will wait until 30 days is up and then threaten with court action. Thanks again. We've learnt from this experience so at least will know for future reference.