HELP - I was not paid

Hello,
After applying for a couple of jobs, i got a call to work as a consultant in a company in central London.

I was given a contract by the person who called and asked to work 4 hours a day, which will be extended once i learn a content management software called drupal.

I started June 17, 2010 and at the end of the month i sent in an invoice as requested.

According to the terms of the contract i was to be paid 2wks after the invoice is sent and any party has the right to terminate after one month notice.

But after i was given the contract, the consultant who employed me was elusive about signing it.

In july 13, he asked me to take a day off on a monday, and called again on tuesday to take tuesday off, and on wed, i went to the office and he told me to take the week off, and later sent an email saying i should not come in again and they will sort out my payment.

But its been one dribble after the other and excuse upon excuse, then he starts to avoid my calls, next thing i was told by the secretary to call someone in malta ( who she said is the head of finance ) and i never met.

I talked to citizen's advice bureau who said they dont have an expert inhouse and i should call ACAS, which i did, but ACAS said they dont deal with contractors or consultants, and since i wasnt an employee, they cant help. And i should get a lawyer.

Now i cant afford a lawyer over such a small amount and want to know what exactly to do.

I was given 2advice.

1. Make a small courts claim of the total invoice ( and one month's salary ) since the UNSIGNED contract states any party could terminate within a month

2. Get a lawyer and claim for the invoice, and a month's salary and put the expenses of the lawyer on the company.

LASTLY i have tried as much as possible to pursue this matter with all maturity and sent multiple emails and phone calls to the company, but only one person used to reply my emails, which he doesn't now and doesn't reply or return my calls anymore.

I need very clear detailed advice, as going to court is a last option for me, as i hate such legal proceedings

IS THERE ANY JUSTICE IN THE UK ???

Thank you

I am afraid that going to court is your only option if the client will not pay. As you have been advised, you would have to make the claim through the small claims court, and any costs can be added to your claim. It isn't a difficult process to make a claim yourself, and the cost if you do so is minimal.