Having to dump a client- how to word it?

[greencatwitch]

I have been a freelancer for a while. I took on a new freelance contract/client 2 weeks ago but it is just not working for me. I have never had to end a contract so early before so would appreciate help on wording my one week notice (as per the notice required on the contract).

The issues are:

• The client insists on me being on site, although the work is mostly project management and completed funding applications that can be done remotely. The journey to work is convoluted and I am wasting too much time on this one contract when the pay is just average.
• The client did not clearly explain at interview that the work is funded by the DWP access to work. So every week I have to submit an invoice to the DWP and the money is then due to be paid to the client who then pays me. I don't want to risk invoice piling up and remaining unpaid for ages as the DWP seem to have a backlog or the client not paying me the money the DWP gives them
• I have concerns about this small business general financial situation now that I have some insight into it.

Basically I want out...

I also would like to state on my notice that I can only conduct the work remaining remotely. The contract just states that the work can be conducted remotely or at the business offices.

Any advice on wording/how to approach this client is most appreciated.

Dear Client,

Thank you for the opportunity to work with you on this project. However, I would like to let you know that I will be terminating the contract and, as per our agreement, my last day will be [one week from now].

As was clear when I interviewed, I believed the work could be done mostly remotely which was in line with my expectation and preferences. As I have been required to be on site, the additional time and cost has made continuing in this contract untenable.

I wish you all the best and am happy to provide any notes or handover required over the coming week.

Kind regards,
GreenCatWitch

I wouldn't say anything about the DWP thing if you haven't actually experienced delayed payment as yet

Thank you! that is really helpful.

It makes sense to leave the DWP out of it as the payment request has been sent to them quite recently.

The town that business is in can be a bit dodgy and on my way walking back to the train I have so far witnessed one fight with the police being called and yesterday a random guy when I was waiting for my train made an inappropriate comment to me so I can't wait to see the back of that place and I really want to work my week notice remotely.

Is it worth also making a suggestion that you agree to terminate by mutual consent with immediate effect? That would add a bit of pressure to them agreeing you can WFH (and do a week of work at all)

It sounds like they also aren’t using access to work correctly though I’m not sure of the circumstances. Access to work is support for a disabled person to work not to buy in a bid writer. So if you are there to support an employee to project manage and write applications then that’s why you may be needed on site, in order too support them to do their job. The employee is the person who gets access to work but the payment for the service can be paid to anyone that they specify in their claim.

For example, I have a colleague who uses a travel company which is funded by Access to work to enable her to get into the office and she uses a PA who supports her with planning and organising sessions, then during sessions helps her with lifting and carrying equipment. Her employer pays the travel company directly on receipt of an invoice and she has to submit the claim to DWP who reimburse her employer. Her PA invoices her directly and she claims from DWP who reimburse the PA directly.

The employee has to approve the claims but the employee has to submit them

I am the OP (just with an updated name).

I gave my noticed and finished the contract and we parted on good terms. It just was not for me.

Yes @DreamyKoala it would have been easier if the set up was that the DWP paid me directly but the way her grant is set up is that the money goes to her then she pays me. Although the DWP sends me notices to approve the claim on my side.

It was just too much bureaucracy for me and not worth it financially.