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uk Work & employment crises client stops responding • client ghosting after invoice • invoice overdue no reply • unpaid invoice after work • chasing invoice payment • customer silent after invoice • overdue invoice follow up • late payment from client • client not paying invoice • invoice past due uk • freelance invoice unpaid • contractor invoice overdue • business invoice not paid • client ignoring reminders • invoice sent no response • payment overdue after service • invoice overdue what now • worried about unpaid invoice

What to do if…
a client stops responding after you submit an invoice that is now overdue

Short answer

Switch to a calm, written paper-trail: send one clear overdue reminder with a reasonable deadline, then (if there’s still no response) send a formal letter before action to the client’s correct legal name and address.

Do not do these things

  • Don’t send repeated messages across every channel or contact multiple employees at the client — it can backfire and look unreasonable.
  • Don’t threaten legal action you’re not prepared to take, or use aggressive language.
  • Don’t publicly accuse or “name and shame” the client (reviews/social media) while you’re still trying to resolve payment.
  • Don’t keep delivering more work once payment is overdue (unless your contract clearly requires it).
  • Don’t add interest/fees you can’t clearly justify under your contract or applicable late-payment rules (especially if your client is a consumer).
  • Don’t rely on phone calls alone — if you do speak by phone, confirm the key points in an email the same day.

What to do now

  1. Make a quick “proof pack” in one folder. Save: contract/statement of work, purchase order (if any), the invoice, the email/thread where you sent it, and evidence you delivered what was agreed (handover email, sign-off, files sent).
  2. Check you billed the right party and the right place.
    • If the client is a limited company or LLP, confirm the exact legal name and registered office address (Companies House).
    • If the client is a sole trader/partnership/individual, use the address in your contract, the billing details they gave you, and/or their last known trading/home address.
  3. Send one overdue reminder (in writing) with a deadline you choose.
    Keep it short: invoice number, amount, due date, how to pay, and one direct question: “Is anything missing that’s preventing payment (PO number, vendor setup, address, invoice format)?” Set a reasonable deadline (often around 7 days) and say you’ll send a formal letter if you don’t hear back.
  4. If this is a business-to-business (or public authority) debt, consider late-payment additions only if they apply.
    If your client is another business (or a public authority), you may be able to add statutory interest (typically 8% + the Bank of England base rate) and a fixed compensation amount (often £40/£70/£100 depending on the invoice size), unless your contract already sets a different interest rate. If the client is a consumer, don’t assume these commercial rules apply.
  5. If the deadline passes, send the right kind of formal letter for who you’re chasing.
    • Client is a company/LLP (or you’re unsure): send a letter before action that is short and factual (what was supplied, invoice details, amount due, how to pay, and a final reasonable deadline you choose—often around 14 days). Post it to the registered office/trading address and email it too; keep proof of sending.
    • Client is an individual (including a sole trader) in England/Wales: the Pre-Action Protocol for Debt Claims usually expects a Letter of Claim with specific information and enclosures, and allows 30 days for a response. If you may need court later, following that structure can help.
  6. Stop the situation getting worse on your side.
    • Pause further work and new costs linked to this client unless your contract clearly requires you to continue.
    • If ongoing access/services are involved, don’t “retaliate.” Only suspend if your contract allows it, and give clear written notice and a chance to pay/cure.
  7. If there’s still no response, line up your escalation route.
    If payment still doesn’t arrive, you can usually make a court claim for money (online or by post) for the debt and any allowable interest/fees. If the amount is large, cross-border, or the work is disputed, consider getting legal advice before issuing a claim.

What can wait

  • You do not need to decide today whether to use a solicitor, debt collector, or court — get your proof pack together and send one clean reminder first.
  • You do not need to redesign your whole contract or pricing right now.
  • You do not need to guess why they’re silent — focus on what you can prove and document.

Important reassurance

Silence after an invoice is common and is often caused by admin delays, vendor onboarding, or approval bottlenecks. A calm, documented escalation protects you and keeps your options open.

Scope note

This is first-step guidance to stabilise the situation and avoid mistakes that weaken your position. Later choices (like court action) depend on facts like who the debtor is, what the contract says, and whether the work is disputed.

Important note

This is general information, not legal advice. Rules can differ depending on your contract terms, whether your client is a business or consumer, and where the parties are based. If communication becomes threatening or you feel unsafe, stop direct contact and switch to written-only communication.

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