CraigH

Company I used to "work" for owes me a reasonable amount of money. But aren't paying. They've been taken over by a Canadian Company who have dissolved pretty much all of the UK office, especially accounts, and moved it to Canada.

They've owed me money going back 12 months now and despite letters, emails etc, nothing is forthcoming.

I was in effect contracting for them, rather than a paye. I get the feeling I'm gonna be pretty screwed in getting actual money out of them (unless anyone knows different), so what would be the legal position if I were to get goods from them to a similar value to the amount owed to me? Totally illegal or legit? Or any other ways of making the bastids pay?

Cheers

Diablo

Sorry mate, but if they don't agree its theft.

As a contractor you are an unsecured ordinary creditor, so not much hope I'm afraid.

D

ProperCharlie

but that would only be a problem if the company were bankrupt or insolvent. if they are not, they should pay. a solicitor's letter may help.

Diablo

PC - if its 12 months down the line, I doubt the threat of action would work.

Particularly if they are in Canada.

CraigH

Despite the fact I've been trying to get this sorted since feb last year?

ProperCharlie

Diablo - i suppose so, yeah. if they have any residual ops in the uk that would help.

Craig - have they given any reason as to why you have not been paid?

CraigH

No - always "we're looking into it"

Brendan Hughes

1o yrs ago a co I worked for refused to pay us a month as they had financial difficulties. I quietly took a PC as a moral hostage, every intention of returning it when getting money back.

They went bankrupt two months later. No-one asked me for the PC.

Scooby96

Solicitors letter might do the trick

Try CAB for a list of sols that do free or £5/£10 initial appointments - they usually offer a cheap 1st letter too.

Or dependant on your earnings get legal 'help' (not legal aid) which you dont have to pay back.

I got this help ages ago and I was on £22k at the time!