Company not paying me for my work - can I claim?

[sh77]

Hi

I undertook some freelance work for a company. I was given no formal contract - only a letter stating my daily rate and the number of days I was to work per day. I did about 15 days worth of work, emailed the work, attended meetings. So, there is ample evidence I did the work.

However, I was experiencing some personal issues (problems in my pregnancy following death of my daughter) and could no longer do any work. I just could not face anything at all. I didn't tell the company (I know that sounds very unprofessional). I emailed them some months later and explained what happened. They did not respond. I submitted my invoice a year later (rubbish of me) and I received an email saying the following:

"I regret to say that I do not think it appropriate for you to submit an invoice. You did some initial work but you then completely disappeared without warning or explanation and we had no idea what had happened to you. We never heard from you again until your recent e-mail

We have not been able to make any use of your work as it was not complete and it has not been possible for anyone to take it over.

Although there was no written contract between us, your sudden absence amounted to a repudiation of our arrangements and I do not think that we can ascribe any value to the work which you have done."

Do I have any rights to claim for the work I did? Would be grateful for any advice.

[scurryfunge]

Don't know the legal position but their email sounds reasonable sorry.

[mumblechum1]

Sorry but I think you've shot yourself in the foot, partly by going awol (and I'm really sorry that you were going through such a crap time, but you know you should have let them know), and leaving it a year before invoicing them.

I think you're going to have to write it off.

[flowerytaleofNewYork]

I agree with the others. Sorry you've had such a bad time but you really can't go completely awol, leave it a year and then credibly invoice them. I would think you were being pretty cheeky tbh.