To do this over email?

[WellErrrr]

I run a business and have recently employed the services of a self employed marketing assistant. She has been coming into the office one day a week and the plan was for this to be long term. However - she’s not great unfortunately and has actually made quite a few mistakes in a short space of time which have ended up costing us. She is a lovely person though and very enthusiastic, but it can’t continue sadly.

I have managed to spread her tasks amongst other team members and no longer want to use her services. I discussed this with another senior staff member who said I need to do this over the phone. However, personally I’d rather have a kind email than be put on the spot out of the blue on an unexpected phone call. I’m not planning to list her shortcomings on the email, just thank her for her work and we don’t need her any more etc.

YABU - call her
YANBU - a kind email is fine

I would prefer an email.

I think it's better to call, but the best thing would be to do it in person when she is in the office, unless there is any real reason not to. It's much more 'human' than an email.

100% This!

I'd be gutted to be told this over the phone.

A well written email is much better, then a phrase saying that if you want to talk it through, let me know a convenient time to call you.

Email is less awkward for both of you. It also gives you a paper trail if ever needed. I wouldn't want a personal "chat" with you if you were laying me off.

It’s business, not a breakup. It’s perfectly acceptable to do this via email if that’s most comfortable to you. As the recipient of also rather receive it via email to avoid an awkward situation.

It’s her line of work, she has to accept people will take her in and relieve her of her services as the need takes them. It’s not personal.

I think you should email to tell her you need a meeting with her, and then tell her verbally. Anything else feels rude to me. If you book a call with her she will know something is up anyway so it won't be a total surprise. But I do think this kind of thing should be done either in person or on a call.

I've been on both sides of this, so it's coming from a place of experience.

You definitely need to speak with her to discuss and outstanding payments and last working day etc.

I think email is fine too. I have had plenty of emails with refusals from job applications, even following interviews.

Ive also seen contracts cancelled over email. You can always email first and then call if needed. That way, she’s not blindsided

I’d much rather an email if it were me… lets me read it and absorb at my own pace and have my emotions before responding.

I would far rather an email in this situation!

I would hate to be called in those circumstances. I would just rather receive an email - with an invitation to speak if any further clarification is required.

I would telephone and tell her exactly why you're not using her. This is her career she needs to know what she is doing wrong to fix it. Be as kind as possible.

I was going to say exactly this!
no need to a phone call, an email can be read in her own time.
I would always prefer this time of message to come via email.

Agree that her circumstances are not the same as a normal employee, for whom I would say a face to female discussion should be warranted, so think email with offer to discuss if she wants is fine.

I suppose the only thing to be wary of with email is if it goes into her junk mail and she turns up as normal ready to work, so maybe have a back up plan for how you'll handle that!

Terminate via email as per the contract that I’m sure she provided?

(or perhaps not as she sounds rubbish)

separately it’s crazy how many people here don’t fully understand IR35!

I would always email in this situation. For clarity and as a record of the conversation. She can then receive and process and you won’t be in an uncomfortable call. I would suggest offering a call to discuss in the email.

Well hopefully it wouldn't be a call out of the blue. Do you not have regular meetings? Or you could schedule in a call with her to discuss her contract.

Ideally you should give her feedback as to why you no longer want her services so you she try to address the issues going forward. She may also have some valuable feedback for you.

Obviously you are not obliged to, but if running this business is going to end up being long term for you, practice with having difficult conversations would be beneficial for you.

I think email with the offer of a phonecall should she wish to discuss further is the best option. I'd hate to be put on the spot on the phone. If you can afford, it'd be nice to pay a bit of notice period.

Phone.

That’s horrific firing someone by email. Truly horrific. I would be so upset if I was fired by email and couldn’t even be bothered to speak to me about it. I would then go to being very angry. It’s incredibly unprofessional.

Email, unless the service contract says differently.

She’s a supplier and it’s normal to terminate by email in a neutral and professional way.

Unless there’s a drip feed that she’s actually a user of your business then you don’t need to maintain any sort of relationship following.

(context: I’ve worked for a marketing agency)

1. when she is next in the office.
2. phone call

Back either of these up in an email after.
It’s rude and disrespectful to email.

I am assuming you have some form of contract or agreement so will be paying her notice.

She's not an employee so I'd say email is perfectly acceptable. You don't owe her an explanation like you would an employee which I think is clouding peoples replies.

She’s not “being sacked” though. She’s a self employed person who presumably works for other businesses as well, she’s a supplier of services that aren’t required anymore.

I can’t pay her notice as she’s not employed, but I will definitely round up her last invoice to be kind.

What does the contract say about early termination?