My Client Hasn't Paid Me After the Event
What To Do When a Hirer Doesn't Pay After a Performance in the UK
You delivered. They didn't. You showed up, performed, and gave everything — and now you're the one chasing. Here's exactly what to do right now, and how to make sure this never happens to you again.
The Real Problem — You're Taking All the Risk
You performed the job. The client hasn't paid. And now you're the one chasing.
That's the problem with how most performers work in the UK — you do the work first, and hope you get paid after.
That model is broken.
Platforms like AnyGig flip that completely — payment is secured before the event even happens. The hirer commits the funds upfront. You perform. You get paid. No invoices. No chasing. No risk.
But if you're here right now, you need to deal with the immediate problem first. Here's exactly what to do.
You're Not Alone — This Happens to Thousands of UK Performers Every Year
Late and non-payment is one of the most common problems facing freelance performers in the UK. Event managers, venue owners, private clients and even corporate hirers regularly delay or refuse payment after a performance — leaving performers chasing invoices for weeks or months.
The good news: you have rights. Here's exactly what to do.
If You Didn't Secure Payment Before the Event, You Now Have to Chase — Here's How
Before escalating, send a clear written payment request via email. Include:
- Your original invoice with the amount owed
- The original payment due date
- A new deadline (7 days is standard)
- A statement that further action will follow if payment isn't received
Keep everything in writing. This creates a paper trail that protects you if you need to escalate.
Issue a Late Payment Notice
Under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts Act 1998, freelancers in the UK are legally entitled to charge interest on overdue invoices. You can:
- Charge 8% above the Bank of England base rate on the outstanding amount
- Add a fixed debt recovery charge (£40 for debts under £1,000)
- Claim reasonable recovery costs on top
Send a formal late payment notice stating the interest and charges now accruing. This often prompts payment faster than a standard reminder.
Use a Statutory Demand or Small Claims Court
If the client still hasn't paid after your formal notice, you have two main options:
Statutory Demand
A formal legal document demanding payment within 21 days. If ignored, you can apply to wind up a company or make an individual bankrupt. It's free to issue yourself.
Small Claims Court
Handles debts up to £10,000 in England and Wales. File online at gov.uk/make-court-claim-for-money. Court fees apply but are recoverable if you win.
Keep every email, invoice and contract as evidence.
How to Make Sure This Never Happens Again
The root cause of late and non-payment is simple — no contract, no upfront payment commitment, no protection. The fix is equally simple.
AnyGig holds payment securely before the event and releases it to you after the performance is complete. The hirer has already committed the funds before you even arrive. No chasing. No disputes. No risk.
Every AnyGig booking also comes with an automatically generated contract — so your terms, your fee and your cancellation policy are protected from the moment the booking is confirmed.
Payment secured upfront
Hirer commits funds before the event. You perform with confidence.
Auto-generated contract
Your terms, fee and cancellation policy are protected from day one.
Automatic release
Funds released to you automatically 24 hours after your performance.