It happens to thousands of construction workers every year — and the ones who get their money back are the ones who act calmly, in writing, and in the right order. Here is that order.
Not a phone argument — a text or WhatsApp: "Hi, I'm still owed £X for the days D–D at [site]. When will it be paid?" This does two jobs: it often gets you paid, and if not, it starts your paper trail with a date. Stay polite; angry messages get screenshotted and used against you.
Days and hours worked, the rate agreed and where it was agreed (messages count!), photos of you or your work on site, names of people who saw you there, any payslips or invoices. No written contract? A verbal or WhatsApp agreement is still a contract — the proof is what makes it real.
Employed (PAYE)? Unpaid wages = unlawful deduction — free ACAS early conciliation first, then employment tribunal, but the deadline is short: about 3 months from the missed payday. Through an agency? The agency must pay you even if its client hasn't paid them. Self-employed (CIS)? It's a debt: formal letter, then small claims court. Different roads — don't waste weeks walking the wrong one.
One page: what you're owed, for what work and dates, the proof you hold, and a deadline — "if not paid within 14 days I will start court proceedings, plus interest and fees". Send by email AND post. Companies that ignore texts suddenly find money when this letter arrives, because they know a judge sees it next.
For debts up to £10,000 in England and Wales, you file online at gov.uk (Money Claim Online), fees start around £35 and are added to what they owe you. No solicitor needed. Most cases settle before any hearing — filing is the step that proves you're serious. You can claim statutory interest on top.
"Work one more week and I'll sort everything" — with money already owed, more unpaid days only deepen the hole. Never sign anything saying you've been paid when you haven't. And threats about your status or your future work for asserting your rights are empty — and unlawful.
Free Graftum member account = a work diary on your phone: days worked, site, money owed — and one tap turns it into a dated statement PDF you can attach to the formal letter. Plus card renewal reminders and a free professional CV.
Join free — 2 minutesSelf-employed invoice debts: generally up to 6 years. Employee wage claims at tribunal: about 3 months less a day from the missed payday, ACAS first. Either way — sooner is stronger.
Yes. Texts, WhatsApp and verbal agreements are contracts. Your evidence of the work and the agreed rate is what carries the claim.
Asking to be paid, in writing and politely, is normal business. Blacklisting workers for asserting legal rights is unlawful — and decent firms don't work with people who don't pay their trades anyway.
ACAS (0300 123 1100) for anything employment or agency related; Citizens Advice for any route, in person and free. Both are used to construction cases and to helping in second languages.
Write to us with the basics — how you were hired, what's owed, since when — and we'll point you the right way, honestly and free.
hello@graftum.comLog your worked days, see what you're owed, keep your CSCS cards with expiry alerts, your CIS money and a dated proof when someone doesn't pay. Free forever, in 7 languages.
Open Graftum Pocket — free →