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Original poster

Not been paid, need to pay rent - what to do?

27 replies

KatDubs261 · 23/04/2019 20:10

I teach English abroad and have been working for an academy for almost two full school years, largely without any issues.

But for the past 2 months, I haven't been paid on time - I am supposed to be paid by the 5th of each month. It is now the 23rd and I haven't received March pay. I chased the employer up before Easter and she assured me I WOULD be paid in time for the holidays - not so.

Today she tells me money has mysteriously gone missing from her account and that it isn't just me, 'no one has been paid.' Actually I spoke to a colleague privately and he said he has received 3/4 of his wage, each time in stages. I told her I need to be paid this week and she replied hopefully I would be, but she couldn't say when for sure!! She smiled through all of this, complimenting my new haircut etc etc, laying it on thick.

So I am upset and stressed out. I am not willing to keep working if I'm not being paid. I work part time for another company which just about covers rent, but with not much left over. I have been offered some more work at my other company, which I could probably get by on (just about) for a while if I quit. I am reluctant to take this step, but I am not willing to keep teaching when I am receiving nothing for it. Any advice?

OP posts:
Isleepinahedgefund · 23/04/2019 22:00

I would leave as soon as you can. When someone has paid you reliably for years, suddenly having issues paying the staff and making bullshit excuses is a sign of severe financial trouble. Businesses will always try and pay the key suppliers, and you as a teacher are a key supplier in a school. If they can’t pay you reliably, they are in trouble.

They may be well meaning but they obviously don’t have the money for whatever reason. Cut your losses and find something else now, don’t wait.

I used to deal with insolvent businesses and I never understood how the employees were owed six, seven, eight months’ wages, but this is how it starts - promises, promises and then before you know it you’re owed so much and you’ll never get it back.

Original poster
KatDubs261 · 23/04/2019 22:15

Thanks for your advice. I have 2 contracted months left at the company. I recently confided in a friend about being paid late. He runs his own company - he was outraged and said he would most likely be needing an extra employee for the month of June in case I am interested (teaching term finishes after that).

What is worse is that when I contacted my boss 2 weeks ago to hound her about wages I discover she is in hospital - she got into a drunken accident and ended up in a really bad way. I actually really like the woman a lot, which makes me even sadder, but I NEED to be paid or I can't pay rent or buy food, never mind the bit extra to enjoy life with.

OP posts:
KaterinaPetrova · 23/04/2019 22:42

Leave as soon as you find an alternative. If you aren't being paid then your employer is not abiding by your contract so don't worry if you are contracted until a certain date. Go now.

Original poster
KatDubs261 · 24/04/2019 18:17

She said I'd hopefully be paid today but still nothing. Even worse, I overheard her on the phone saying she is booking flights to Orlando and Miami asap!

I'm feeling really upset about this now. I have time to job hunt on Friday but it feels terrible to keep going to work without being paid.

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Original poster
KatDubs261 · 24/04/2019 18:18

Also the fact my colleagues have partially been paid and I've had nothing!

OP posts:
Wellandtrulyoutnumbered · 24/04/2019 18:23

She's spending the money. Who is her boss?

Original poster
KatDubs261 · 24/04/2019 19:10

She IS the boss, or so I was lead to believe. A few years ago she became the boss when the long-term boss retired. But I recently heard about her going to visit him...so it made me wonder if he's still involved in some way.

If I don't have the money by Fri morning I am going to tell her I need the money this weekend AND that I know other colleagues have received most of their wage. I am hoping this will spur her on to pay me. If she doesn't, I will inform her I won't be returning to work until I see the money. There seems to be a lot of work in my field available but I am worried about not seeing 2 months worth of wages now!

OP posts:
Original poster
KatDubs261 · 24/04/2019 19:10

I've also had a difficult time mental health wise this year anyway and this is really affecting me.

OP posts:
mimibunz · 24/04/2019 19:12

She is lying. Time to cut your losses but I doubt you will ever see that money. Sorry, OP!

KaterinaPetrova · 24/04/2019 21:19

Did you say you weren't in the UK? If so, have a good look at the small claims process for your current country. Leave the job and get the claim started as soon as possible (providing the initial fees can be met, if not, maybe threaten it first)

Original poster
KatDubs261 · 11/05/2019 15:42

Hello again everyone. I finally got paid last week, one month after payment was due. The boss then assured us we would be paid again yesterday on May 10th. Unsurprisingly, yesterday came and went without payment. None of my colleagues were paid and she says she will go to the bank on Monday to 'see what happened.'

Aside from rent and food...I have a trip with friends in 2 weeks and as I am now in an LDR I want to be able to book my trip to see him next month. This situation is making me unbelievably miserable because I feel like I can only pay for the basics and not really enjoy my life. I finish work there permanently on June 20th of next month.

OP posts:
DearStalkerish · 11/05/2019 21:14

New job for sure. Don't even bother giving notice. Even if it means you have to pursue unpaid wages later.

Original poster
KatDubs261 · 12/05/2019 11:54

The issue is I'm a teacher and school term ends in shortly over one month. If I leave now, what am I going to find for effectively one month in the sector?

I am going to teach in a summer school in July but I can't go without having the money to pay rent until then etc. There's a chance I COULD get work for the month of June somewhere else but I'm worried about seeing my money if I walk out without notice etc...

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Original poster
KatDubs261 · 18/05/2019 20:35

Is anyone still reading?

If so, I'd like a bit of input for my next move! Once again, pay is late. We were promised our latest wage on May 10th and it's now 8 days late. Last communication I had with her was to ask her to ensure I am paid by Fri - her reply 'Oh yes, I was told none of you (employees) received the money. I'll look into it.' The boss is currently treating to herself to a nice holiday, so all the staff took their opportunity to have a good bitc* about her last week.

Tomorrow I'm planning to inform her I won't be returning until I am paid (I also have a job interview on Mon morning). My colleague is begging me not to do this, saying 'I am sure we will be paid by Tues, please just hang in a bit longer'. I feel my mind is made up - am I doing the right thing? I know I may never see the money and it is a real concern, but my self respect s flying out the window, seemingly working for nothing.

OP posts:
Singlenotsingle · 18/05/2019 20:44

You can't go on like this forever. I think you are doing the right thing. If you're not paid, it's breach of contract by the employer. Personally I'd go for the interview on Monday anyway, and see what happens. You never know, the money might come through.

Original poster
KatDubs261 · 18/05/2019 20:51

I know. I have this constant 'fight or flight' stress going on now and it's become too much to bear. RE my colleague being paid when I wasn't, he said that was only because he had to beg for it before his holiday! How humiliating.

The other issue is that I have one month left to work there and then I leave the country. If I stay, I'll no doubt be chasing her for next month's money which will be much, much harder from a distance.

The new job requires an immediate start. As a teacher, I hate leaving the kids at the final hour but feel I have no choice. I am concerned about how she will react/not seeing the money for 1 1/2 months of work but it's taking an awful toll.

OP posts:
Singlenotsingle · 18/05/2019 21:09

It's like gambling isn't it? Should you put in more time/money/ work and risk losing more, or should you cut your losses and go now?

Original poster
KatDubs261 · 18/05/2019 21:14

Yes, exactly. The issue is it's not JUST about the money (which is most important) but the fact it is ruining my experience here. For example, I was offered a free event to a fantastic event this afternoon. Had a great time and would usually have gone for drinks after - all my friends went and I just went home because I can't afford it, so I'm alone tonight.

So the financial toll is making an impact on my social life and therefore mental health. I borrowed money for the first time ever this week - humiliating feeling.

OP posts:
ChesterDrawsDoesntExist · 19/05/2019 00:33

I agree with pp about it being like gambling. You've lost the money. Yes there's a slim chance of you getting it but i wouldn't be surprised if your boss is hoping that you'll put up and shut up for now out of fear of not getting paid and once you have to leave the country she'll get away with not paying up.

The longer you stay, the more money you lose.

Original poster
KatDubs261 · 19/05/2019 22:00

Update!!

My co worker who had been on a massive rant about the boss and who I thought I could trust snitched to the boss and told her I'm leaving pre-emptively!!

So the boss went crazy calling me, is begging me to come in tomorrow. Says she will give me some money cash in hand and I will have the rest in my account on Wednesday. I am going to hold firm and call in sick, as I already told the boss I was unwell.

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Original poster
KatDubs261 · 19/05/2019 22:01

The boss also said 'Yes I understand this must be stressful for you but I hope you can appreciate how stressful it has been for me too.'

OP posts:
StealthPolarBear · 19/05/2019 22:05

What a back stabber! Has that person been paid?

Original poster
KatDubs261 · 19/05/2019 22:36

No, apparently not! She said 'oh sorry if I interfered but what was I supposed to do?' - em, say absolutely nothing because it was none of her business?

I have been working with this woman for two years and thought I could trust her.

I have an interview tomorrow. If I am offered the job I think I will take it and run after I (IF I) receive my money.

OP posts:
ChesterDrawsDoesntExist · 19/05/2019 22:39

Good luck. I really hope you get your money and the new job.

StealthPolarBear · 20/05/2019 08:33

Good luck today x