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Original poster

I haven't been paid in 3 months!! Please help!

32 replies

mummyloveslucy · 29/01/2010 09:35

Hi, I have been working in a care home for three years. I then came off contract and continued working for them on the bank from the 15th October 09. My last pay was at the end of October. I then didn't recieve any money at the end of Novenber, as they said it was a month in hand. I then didn't recieve any money at the end of December either, as my time sheet was late. (My fault I know) I phoned to ask if they could sort something out, they said they would but didn't. I've handed in time sheets for Oct, Nov and Dec in December and now they haven't paid my at the End of January either. I have now had no money for 3 months, and things are getting very desperate. I have never been in debt before, but now I am big time.
I am going to phone the home again soon, but I'd be really greatful if you could give me some advice as to what to say. Thanks.

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thatsnotmymonster · 29/01/2010 09:40

That is shocking

I don't know how you have survived- we would b ein severe trouble if that happened to us- especially over Christmas.

Can you speak to CAB about it? Have you gone right to the top? I would just say that you need to be paid and if the money is not in your account by tomnorrow you will be seeking legal advice.

Original poster

mummyloveslucy · 29/01/2010 09:47

We are in dire streits at the moment. We owe so much money. I've litterally been only eating my daughters left overs it's been that bad. We bought owr daughter a doll from a charity shop for Christmas and went to MIL's for dinner. My daughter is only 5 though and loved her doll and had a great time, but it's been a nightmare.

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Original poster

mummyloveslucy · 29/01/2010 09:58

bump

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VerityBrulee · 29/01/2010 10:04

Sorry, no advice for you, but how awful for you, you must be totally stressed out. Have you spoken to your mananger about it, it is so unethical, apart from anything else to leave you in this position.

Hoping someone will come along with good advice for you

Original poster

mummyloveslucy · 29/01/2010 10:07

Thanks, I spoke to her the first 2 times and she wasn't at all helpful, she said shed "look in to it" but didn't. I've phoned to speek to her again but apparently she's on the phone.

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thatsnotmymonster · 29/01/2010 10:13

Definitely phone CAB for advice.

When are you going to Florida BTW- Congrats

Original poster

mummyloveslucy · 29/01/2010 10:14

I do feel so stressed out, my daughter has SEN's and is going through a phase of being exreamly demanding and has recently lost all continance. I might have to take her out of her nursery, as I can't pay the next fee. She'll then be at home with me until I can sort something out. She dosn't like change at all either.

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docmartin · 29/01/2010 10:15

god what a nightmare. You need to get to the nursing home and sit in until you receive your money. This must constitute 'unlawful deduction of wages'. check the cab website.

Original poster

mummyloveslucy · 29/01/2010 10:17

Thank you, I'm hoping for the Easter holiday. If they don't pay me though, we'll have no spendig money at all. I hope this all gets sorted soon, because at the moment it dosn't seem real. I'm just so worried about the money situation.

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docmartin · 29/01/2010 10:20

Lucy - are you still working for them? How much roughly are they owing you to date?

thatsnotmymonster · 29/01/2010 10:20

Poor you, it is so worrying. Can you call CAB now?

Maybe also post on MoneySavingExpert forum for advice.

Hopefully someone else with more of a clue will come along shortly.

flowerybeanbag · 29/01/2010 10:26

When you say you came off contract and continued working for them on the bank, do you mean you are now employed by an agency or something, or is the care home still your employer.

You need to raise a grievance with whoever your employer is straightaway, and if that doesn't sort it out you can bring a tribunal claim if necessary for non-payment of wages.

paisleyleaf · 29/01/2010 10:29

I just wanted to say I really feel for you.
My DH had this about a year ago, and he was working for the council. It took a long time for us to claw ourselves back too.
All those staff in the office on their salary passing it on to another desk and another desk then onto the payroll people - who are just 'computor says no' and I bet won't sort anything out for you til end feb now.
I'm sorry, I don't know what to suggest. Could the care home give you a sub to get you through this month? Or, CAB as someone suggested earlier?
My DH packed in that job, it seemed mad to others as the rest of the country were losing work and recession etc - but his stint with the council just cost us too much.

Original poster

mummyloveslucy · 29/01/2010 10:38

Yes, I'm still working for them, I earn about £480 a month. For night shifts, so they owe my about £960, thants minus the month in hand which I'll hopefully get a month after I leave.

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AuntieAnn · 29/01/2010 10:40

Who is legally your actual employer i.e. who payrolls you?

Original poster

mummyloveslucy · 29/01/2010 10:41

I am still employed by the same company. They are a charity, so I could threaten to the charity commisioners.

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docmartin · 29/01/2010 10:46

aah well if they are a charity then that is better news.

I would telephone the boss today, explain the situation, that you have been 3 months without wages and that you would like to go up and collect a cheque today. If this is not possible according to them, then say you have no choice but to inform the charity commission. Then keep to your word. These things can take time, and the sooner you get on the case the beter.

AuntieAnn · 29/01/2010 10:46

I don't think charity commissioners would generally get involved in employment matters of this kind, I think what you need is a solicitor NOW. You should not delay on employment matters. Go to CAB or alternatively google for your local high street solicitor dealing with employment issues and ask if they will represent you. On what you have said I would imagine you would have no difficulty getting assistance on a no win no fee basis. But go to CAB first!

flowerybeanbag · 29/01/2010 10:51

You will have difficulty getting assistance with any kind of claim if you haven't made a formal internal complaint first. Have you done anything like that, any letter requesting payment or anything? They won't be interested in a threat to involve the charity commission. Just do a brief grievance stating what you've said here, requesting payment immediately and informing them that if you do not receive payment you will be bringing a tribunal claim for non-payment of wages.

if you don't want to incur legal costs you should actually be able to bring a claim yourself. The idea is that it's supposed to be possible to bring a tribunal claim without the help of a solicitor. I wouldn't normally recommend it, however if money is tight, because it's a really straightforward claim, you should be able to do it yourself.

But a formal letter as I've said requesting payment is the first thing.

docmartin · 29/01/2010 10:52

The fact is that a charity organisation relies on donations. Those who make the donations would not be happy that the charity is not being run accordingly. They would not want any publicity over this.

Original poster

mummyloveslucy · 29/01/2010 10:54

Thanks everyone for your advice. I will be speeking to her soon, hopefully and I'll ask about a cheque and if not, I will mention the Charity commisioners but I will also definatly be looking for a soliciter ASAP. I'm sure the boss would have something to say if she wasn't paid for all this time.

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AuntieAnn · 29/01/2010 10:55

Good luck BTW.

I work through agencies and I have only just (3-4 weeks ago) been paid for August. That was only because the end client, who like me, got heavy on the agency and withheld 20 grand from their account until they paid me.

I have still not been paid in full for June. My company has issued proceedings against the agency, which has tried to settle out of court for £900 when they owe me £1,600 and I have spent £400 on solicitors. Naturally they were TTFO.

But flowerybeanbag is right, it is no use just making phone calls, you need to make formal written complaint and send it registered post and obviously keep copies of EVERYTHING! Make sure you log all the phone calls as well.

brimfull · 29/01/2010 10:55

I had the same problem when I went on to the bank , nhs though.
went from june to dec with no pay !!!!

turned out it was the manager not returning a form to the HR dept that she thought she had returned

I thought it was me forgetting something and losing my mind

flowerybeanbag · 29/01/2010 11:02

If you will be speaking to her, don't just ask about a cheque, put a formal request in writing, give it to her and discuss it then. The sooner you put a formal request in writing the sooner you could take further action if you need to. If you've had no money for 3 months you are way past the time for just talking about it really.

Original poster

mummyloveslucy · 29/01/2010 11:09

I've spoken to my boss, she's said that I will be recieving a cheque. I asked when I would get it and she said it should be soon. She said she'll chase it up at head office too. I said that was o.k and told her how bad the situation is getting. So that should come soon. (fingers and toes crossed)
If it dosn't then I will have to get a soliciter etc, but hopefully it won't come to that. Unless the cheque is only one months pay. I wouldn't put it past them.

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