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

Is the OP coming back or is another one where people invest and don't get a response to their efforts to help.

What did she say OP?

Email so it's on record.

Emails are cop outs in these situations. I’d make the call (although I hate it) and follow up with an email.

As this person is supplier not an employee the aagreement will need to be terminated by email I assume

I did it by email, it was taken very well and we will keep in touch. She’s a lovely woman.

Out of interest I did ask would she have preferred me to call. She said for her, email every time as you get a moment to digest without needing to immediately respond.

So alls well that ends well. Thanks for the insights.

Excellent! We are all very different, however as a fellow member of team email, I’m pleased it worked best for you and her.

Nice to hear back. Thank you, and well done

You need to see her in person!

Email is perfectly fine. For your exact circumstances. If you messed up on the call, as you worry you might, it could really hurt her.

However, you do have the option of writing a script and practising it. Try to think of questions she might have. So, when asked for specifics, just repeat that the email will provide as much clarity as you're able to give. It's a good opportunity for you to practise being direct and dealing with challenging situations.

And if she really did blag the job (can you blame her) then she is likely expecting it. Soften the blow by telling her she will get a great reference.