What will happen if I don't pay this bill?

[Soldierskittle]

I've just found out I'm being made redundant. I'm also 6 mths pregnant so won't be going straight back to work even if I could find a job.
I've given notice to DS's nursery. They want a term's notice. Term started on the 6th nov. today is the 19th

I'm paid up until re end of the term but in response to my email they've sent me a bill for fees in lieu of notice for the whole of January and February

I can't pay it. What'll happen if I don't?

I very much doubt anything will happen. They can write/phone you a few times so you feel harassed but I suspect taking you to court is more hassle than it's worth.
I would go in and see the manager and explain your situation again, face to face. Also, check your contract. I would presume a term is 3 months so as you've given notice mid November I would expect your notice period to run until mid February but the small print may say otherwise.

I hope you get it sorted. Redundancy never comes at a good time but for you it seems particularly bad. Good luck.

Ffs! You'd think they could show a bit of goodwill in this situation.

Thanks both

Yes, you'd think after we've been using them for 4 years they'd show a bit of understanding

I'll speak to the manager again. Perhaps they'd take three months, instead of an actual term

So if you'd given notice on 6th November there would have been nothing due? It seems very ungenerous of them to bill you for two months for being two weeks 'late' with notice..
Could you offer the extra two weeks? If you can, offer them the money (in writing) and say that no more money will be paid.

Sorry about your job.

I'm not sure they can do very much to be honest, maybe go to the CAB?

What they can do is sue you for breach of contract. Whether they will is a different issue although it is likely to be worth their while suing over a whole term's fees. I'd also recommend speaking to the manager and explaining the situation.

They can take you to the small claims court. Usually it doesn't go this far as the parties come to an agreement.

If they take u to the sc court the judge will be interested to know if they have filled the spot.

It is unlikely he would award payment if they are getting it from another parent. Do they have a wait list?

Sorry you've been made redundant btw

What does it say in your contract/ terms and conditions? They may well take you to court if you're in breach of contract, otherwise they may feel other parents would behave in a similar fashion.

Having said that a term seems like a long notice period. :(

Op go through your contract thoroughly and see exactly what the policy is for notice.

Btw today is only the 18th so you are only 12 days into the term

It's possible they will take you to court, but it's also possible that they will do nothing. If it were me, I would take a chance on it. If you do receive a court notice, you can always offer some payment (say £12 per month for x months) at that point.

Disgraceful! Don't pay. Even if they take you to court and the judge finds in their favour, you can fill out an inform and expenditure form and the court will only order you to pay what you can afford. It won't affect your credit rating and there won't be any repercussions.
By the way, it is unusual to be made redundant while pregnant and often unfair selection. Is someone advising you on your employment rights?

Gaaah I just don't need this

It's in the T&Cs, fair enough. But for me to have to give five months notice....well who knows where or what they'll be doing that far in the future?

Surely any change to ones circumstance, unless it happens to co-incide with the end of a term, is quite likely to necessitate giving months and months of notice, for the remainder of the term when the change becomes apparent, plus the whole of the next term

Agree that if they take you to court, they would have to show that they were unable to fill the place and cover the income : unfair contract terms and all that.
Go in and be polite, but if they get shirty just mention that you would feel obliged to name them on here to discuss your options

I agree, go in, speak to the manager about your situation and explain that while you appreciate there is a signed contract in place, you hope that they are able to take your extenuating circumstances into account. Be nice for now, but don't stress, they really are unlikely to send the bailiffs after you. Congratulations on the new baby!